A FUTURE coronavirus vaccine could be approved for use in the UK thanks to the contribution of Warrington residents.

This is thanks to the opening of a new, dedicated facility for clinical research and trials at Halton Hospital.

Halton Clinical Research Unit, within the Nightingale Building on the Runcorn site, will provide opportunities for people in Halton, Warrington, Cheshire and Merseyside to participate in clinical trials and research close to home.

The unit has already received approval for its first clinical trial due to start next month, which is for a new Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

It will also provide flexible accommodation and staff to support different types of clinical research and trials, making them more accessible to local people in surrounding areas.

It was officially opened by Warrington and Halton Hospitals (WHH) chairman Steve McGuirk, along with partners.

Professor Simon Constable, WHH chief executive, said: “This new research unit at our Halton site is an exciting development.

Halton Hospital

Halton Hospital

“It will help us enhance our clinical research capability and give access to clinical trials for local people, while ensuring we benefit from the expertise of our research partners.

“It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to continuous improvements in healthcare throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

“I am delighted that our local populations in Halton and Warrington and our patients will also be among the beneficiaries of the clinical developments and improvements delivered as a result of the clinical research undertaken here.”

Dr Chris Smith, chief operating officer for the partner organisation Clinical Research Network: North West Coast, added: “This new research facility represents a major opportunity for the people of Halton and Cheshire to take part in research and improve the health of our communities.

“It means our region can now attract more research investment, and this has already started to take shape with the arrival of a new Covid-19 vaccine trial next month.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in getting us to this point and we look forward to partnership working that delivers better health for local people."