Our Approach

Our approach is based on joint and system working, recognising that sustainable primary care research infrastructure is built locally, with shared support.

Together with Noclor NHS Research Office, GP practices, and UCL academic partners, the UCLH BRC is supporting:

  • The development of dedicated Primary Care Research Units (PCRUs) across NCL
  • Shared pathways for study set‑up and delivery across primary and secondary care
  • Programmatic research aligned to population need and clinical priorities
  • Workforce development and research leadership in primary care
  • The use of digital and data‑enabled approaches to support recruitment and delivery

Primary Care Research Units in North Central London

As part of this partnership model, a network of Primary Care Research Units (PCRUs) is being established across North Central London, hosted within existing primary care organisations and embedded in local communities.

Current partner sites include:

  • Medicus Health Partners (Enfield) 
  • Barnet Federated GPs 
  • Caversham Group Practice (Camden) 

These units support the delivery of commercial and non‑commercial studies, including complex and interventional research, with access to UCLH specialist support where needed.

The PCRUs collectively provide access to large, diverse populations, supporting research inclusion across ethnically diverse, underserved and under‑represented groups.

Building Capability and Capacity

A key focus of the collaboration is building sustainable research capability in primary care, rather than delivering individual studies in isolation.

This includes:

Workforce development

  • Funded research time (PAs) for GPs, practice nurses, and allied health professionals
  • Opportunities for research training and mentorship
  • Strengthening links between primary care clinicians and UCLH/UCL clinical academics

Infrastructure and delivery support

  • Dedicated research space in primary care settings
  • Research nursing and practitioner support via Noclor
  • Access to UCLH BRC expertise in experimental medicine, digital innovation and trial delivery

System integration

  • Streamlined working between primary care, UCLH and UCL
  • Support for hybrid and decentralised trial models
  • Alignment with NIHR and regional delivery infrastructure