New body aims to streamline approval and regulation of research in NHS

The Department of Health has announced the creation of the Health Research Authority. The new body, formally established on 1 December and welcomed by the prime minister in a speech on Monday 5 December, will streamline the conduct of research in universities and the NHS while ensuring that the interests of patients are not neglected.

John Tooke, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences, also welcomed the new authority. But he went on to warn against any assumption that a new system will by itself guarantee change. “We must continue to monitor activity in this …