NHS Fife hosts and sponsors a large and growing number of research studies ranging from international multi-centre drug trials to short term student projects. We work with a variety of commercial and non-commercial sponsors and funders, investigators and researchers with a wide range of interests and experience, members of the public and service users and colleagues from across Scotland, the UK and further afield. In 2018, some 1944 Fife participants took part in 227 studies.
We aim to provide support, advice, training and management for researchers and projects from the initial stages of developing the “idea” to dissemination of the results and their implementation into practice. Our large and experienced team includes 12 research nurses and support staff who provide management, governance and financial support. We deliver a full programme of training and guidance locally, as well as some national training. Research facilities include a Clinical Research Facility located in Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, and a clinical room/laboratory area within the Research, Innovation and Knowledge Department in Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.
We ensure that all research within NHS Fife meets national quality standards and complies with any relevant regulation and legislation, including the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Good Clinical Practice guidelines (ICH-GCP) and the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care.
