A new research centre is being built at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC).
Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity has launched the South West Children’s Research Appeal, working with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) to make this development a reality.
The £1 million project will give up to 20% more young patients the opportunity to take part in research projects that could help in the development of cures for rare conditions.
Currently, children undergoing pilot treatments often have to travel as far away as Birmingham, London or even Liverpool. Paul Kearney, chief executive of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, said: “The ground-breaking facility will transform treatments, cures for poorly children will be discovered, and countless lives will be improved today, tomorrow and into the future.
“We need the people of Bristol to rally with us to help this centre feel like a home-from-home for poorly children and help us unlock hope and find cures for families.”
Professor A.V.Ramanan, consultant rheumatologist and professor of paediatric rheumatology, said: “The South West Children’s Research Appeal will enable us to participate in trials which can be life transforming and potentially curative, like gene therapy studies.
“Due to the lack of clinical research facility, Bristol has not been a site for cutting-edge treatments for rare paediatric disease.
“This has meant either children having to travel, or often missing out on novel therapies for rare conditions.”
To support the appeal, visit the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity website.