The Primary Care Research Network North West is part of the NIHR Clinical Research Network,
which supports research to make patients, and the NHS, better.

Welcome to the Primary Care Research Network North West

‘Improved evidence for better prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Primary Care’

The Primary care Research Network North West (PCRN NW) is one of eight clinician-led Primary Care Local Research Networks, providing comprehensive geographical coverage and, therefore, covering the total population of England. The PCRN NW is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the Department of Health.

The PCRN NW supports clinical trials and other well designed studies. Studies are adopted onto the portfolio, making them eligible for support from the research networks, provided they meet the study adoption criteria, which are defined by the remits of the United Kingdom Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) and PCRN nationally.

Studies are then considered for adoption at a local level by PCRN NW and can receive assistance from the network.

PCRN NW geographical coverage?

The PCRN NW is hosted within the Merseyside Cluster and covers the areas of Cheshire and Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

How can we help?

Primary care is the setting for the great majority of NHS patient contacts, and will play an increasing role both in the care of patients with long term conditions (such as arthritis, asthma and heart disease) and in disease prevention and early diagnosis. The PCRN NW will work with GP practices, health centres, pharmacies and dental practices as well as in other community locations to facilitate the involvement of staff and patients in clinical studies. Click the Support button on the main menu to find out how we can help.