Princess Anne visits Derry state-of-the-art clinical research facility

Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal has visited the Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre (C-TRIC) based on the Altnagelvin Hospital site during a visit to the city on Thursday. On arrival HRH was greeted by Lord Lieutenant of County Borough of Londonderry, Mr Ian Crowe.

C-TRIC, a state-of-the-art clinical research facility is a unique collaboration between the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Ulster University and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

C-TRIC is a regional asset that facilitates collaboration between universities and life and health science companies with the NHS, enabling clinical research aimed at improving patient care in our community. Within C-TRIC, Ulster University’s Personalised Medicine Centre spearheads efforts to tailor treatments based on individual genetic and molecular profiles. Moreover, the Western Trust Research and Development office ensures that patients have access to diverse clinical research opportunities.

Following introductions by Lord Lieutenant of County Borough of Londonderry, Mr Ian Crowe, HRH accompanied by Dr Tom Frawley, CBE, Chair of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Mr Neil Guckian OBE, Trust Chief Executive, Professor Paul Bartholomew Vice Chancellor, Ulster University; and Chief Executive, Derry City and Strabane District Council; Mr John Kelpie, moved inside the facility.

In the main reception area, HRH, accompanied by Mr Guckian met with Ulster University Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Chair of C-TRIC Management Board and Professor Aaron Peace; Chief Executive of C-TRIC and Director of Research & Development at the Western Trust, before being lead on a tour of the state-of-the-art facility by both Professors.

Staff and patients at Altnagelvin Hospital get a glimpse of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during her one-day visit to Northern Ireland.

On the tour HRH engaged with Doctors, research staff and research students to hear of the various trials and projects currently taking place in the facility.

In Clinic Room 1, HRH was introduced to Vanessa Quinn PhD, Western Trust Programme Manager and Kathryn Ferguson, Western Trust Research Nurse by Professor Peace. Ms Quinn briefed HRH on plans to expand clinical trials through a mobile research unit clinic, a bespoke purpose built vehicle that will focus on reducing barriers for taking part in research for participants by delivering research within the communities we serve - as part of the overall Derry City and Strabane Council City Deal.

HRH went on to visit Laboratory 1 where Professor Peace presented Stephanie Duguez PhD, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University and Dr Gavin McCluskey, Consultant Neurologist Western Trust and was informed about the Motor Neurone Disease research by the Duguez group at Ulster University. The aim of the group is to decipher the role of intercellular communication in different physiological and pathological conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-III & IV).

In Laboratory 2 (Personalised Medicine Office) Professor Peace introduced Caitriona Kelly Phd, alongside research students. HRH heard that within the School of Medicine at Ulster University, the Personalised Medicine Centre aims to develop treatments and clinical tools that consider a person’s individual genetic and molecular signatures. The centre comprises approximately 55 researchers to include 12 academic members of staff, and PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Research focuses on a range of disorders from neuromuscular disease, dementia, metabolic disorders (diabetes and cardiovascular disease), cancers, musculoskeletal disorders and kidney disease. The centre drives the identification of new treatment options and diagnostic tests.

HRH also heard about the Single Cell Technology & Pharmacogenomics and Precision Prescribing by Mark Watson PhD, Western Trust/C-TRIC Scientific Lab Manager. Dr Watson explained Single Cell Multiomics and the use of these technologies to understand health and disease - allow development of more effective treatments to improve patient health. Providing access to cutting edge single cell multiomics technologies as a service – one of first BD Rhapsody single cell systems in all of Ireland.

Dr Watson also spoke about how Pharmacogenomics (PGx) uses a cheek swab and simple lab test to identify how patient’s genetic profile affects response to medication - Personalised prescribing, reduces adverse drug reactions.

Furthermore, HRH observed the cutting-edge technology and resources and heard of the commitment to innovation and research in the collective pursuit of improved patient care and outcomes.

After the tour, HRH returned to the Boardroom where Professor Peace introduced a number of groups including members of the C-TRIC Board, Western Trust Research and Development Staff and Personalised Medicine Centre Staff and Students from Ulster University to hear about the collaborative work taking place in the facility.

Following a few words from Dr Tom Frawley, HRH accepted an invitation to sign the visitors book before farewells.