Albany House Medical Centre has a well-established Primary Care Research and Development Unit based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK. Since 1999, it has delivered Phase II – IV trials for numerous pharmaceutical companies as well as studies for several academic bodies. We have previously received leadership status from the CRN East Midlands and recognition for exceptional research delivery.
Our team is currently made up of 4 GP Investigators, a Research Nurse, Research Practitioner and Research Administrator. All team members are trained to the highest standards including GCP and Informed Consent. We are also IATA trained for the handling and shipping of dangerous goods.
Our exclusive research facility comprises 2 consulting rooms, an administration office, monitoring room, restricted access temperature controlled drug storage/laboratory, and restricted access record storage. Equipment includes a centrifuge, refrigerated centrifuge, 3 fridges, -20 freezer, 2 BP monitors, scales, and 12 lead ECG machine. All equipment is calibrated annually.
Our team are highly experienced in managing temperature controlled IMP. We are also experienced in collecting, processing and shipping biosamples. We have a -20 degree freezer for the storage of frozen samples which are shipped on dry ice regularly. Our team adhere to regularly updated department SOPs.
In addition to our patient population of almost 20,000 patients, we have agreements in place with Participant Identification Centres (PICS) within our locality, providing us with a total patient database of over 50,000 patients to recruit from. This has more recently been extended to participation with our local Primary Care Networks and we are principal investigators for active trials using this model across the county of Northamptonshire.We have an excellent history of recruiting to time and target, and have twice achieved first global patient recruitment. Over the years, we have demonstrated low screen failure rates and excellent retention of participants.
Our methods of recruitment include:
• Detailed database searches in our electronic medical records system
• Referrals from external practice GPs and other health care professionals
• Use of posters and adverts on practice rolling screens
• Advertising on our practice website www.albanyhousemedicalcentre.co.uk and R&D website www.ahmcresearch.co.uk
• Recommendations from our own investigators and practice staff during normal GP activities and healthcare campaigns.
• Research awareness days.
• Text message campaigns and use of social media
Patient safety is of the utmost importance to us as well as providing accurate and reliable trial data for Sponsors. We pride ourselves on building great rapport with our patients and providing personalised care and support during clinical trials.
André Krzeminski – Lead Research GP
