Simone Walsh, Programme Manager for the Irish Research Nurses and Midwives Network, which is hosted by RCSI, has been appointed to a new national group tasked with developing recommendations to increase the number of clinical trials taking place in Ireland.

The National Clinical Trials Oversight Group was established by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. It will propose sustainable solutions, with a view to creating more efficiencies in the clinical trials system. This will ensure that Ireland can build on its excellent reputation across the clinical trials landscape and further position the State as a key strategic host in attracting international clinical trials. 

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Simone on her appointment to this significant group. The formation of a National Clinical Trials Oversight Group marks a crucial advancement in clinical research in Ireland. For the first time, research nurses and midwives will have representation within the Department of Health, giving them a voice at a national level.

This representation acknowledges the invaluable expertise and experience that these professionals bring to the field. “Clinical trials are a fundamental component in enabling high-quality care and improving patient outcomes. Here at RCSI, our vision is to be a world-class clinical research centre, facilitating our investigators to lead pivotal clinical trials, improve patient care and inspire the next generation of clinical researchers.”

Establishing the new oversight group, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD said: “Clinical trials are a fundamental component of high-quality care and improving patient outcomes. Over the last 15 years, my department has invested more than €150 million in clinical trials and research support services. Good progress has been made in improving the clinical trials landscape in Ireland, but challenges remain. Ireland is not attracting as many clinical trials as some other European countries.

“We need to do better for patients. I want to double the number of clinical trials taking place in Ireland. A strong clinical trial infrastructure can give patients access to treatments that deliver improved outcomes and, in some cases, can be lifesaving.

“I want to see Ireland aim for best-in-class globally in terms hosting more clinical trials, thereby increasing the number of people who can access and participate in clinical trials with the ultimate objective of achieving better patient outcomes.”