A Welcome Boost for Clinical Trials Under the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan
The UK Government’s recently unveiled 10-Year Health Plan brings welcome news for the healthcare industry, particularly those working in clinical trials. This ambitious blueprint is set to transform the clinical trial landscape, speeding up research processes, expanding patient access, and placing the UK back at the forefront of global medical innovation.
One of the central goals of the plan is to increase patient participation in clinical trials, with millions expected to take part in studies over the coming decade. By simplifying processes and cutting down on bureaucratic delays, the UK aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge treatments, offering patients access to life-changing therapies earlier than anticipated.
A key feature of the plan is the integration of clinical trial recruitment into the NHS App. Accessed via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) BE Part of Research service this will make it easier for patients to discover and sign up for relevant trials. This digital transformation will eventually see the app automatically match patients to studies based on their health data and interests, making participation as seamless as possible. To promote this initiative, the NIHR has launched a nationwide recruitment campaign to increase participation, particularly from underrepresented groups.
Additionally, the government will introduce greater transparency in the performance of NHS trusts in relation to clinical trials. Publicly available data will reveal which trusts are excelling in trial delivery and which are lagging behind. This will encourage accountability with Government investment being prioritised only to those institutions that demonstrate their ability to deliver impactful research.
The plan also addresses one of the key barriers to clinical trial success – lengthy setup times. Currently, it takes around 250 days to establish a trial within the NHS, significantly longer than other countries. Through the 10-Year Health Plan, the government aims to cut these timelines to 150 days or less by March 2026. This will be achieved by streamlining administrative processes, such as introducing a national standardised contract which can save months of time wasting, as well as simplifying paperwork to eliminate unnecessary duplication on technical assurances.
With these reforms, the UK aims to regain its place as the epicentre of global clinical research, creating a more efficient, patient-friendly system that can drive economic growth while delivering life-saving treatments faster.
Health Data Research Service (HDRS)
In other news, in April 2025 the UK Prime Minister announced that the Government and the Wellcome Trust will invest up to £600 million to create a new Health Data Research Service. Delivering significant health benefits to the UK public and patients, the HDRS will provide a single point of access to health data from multiple sources and well help tackle the issue of fragmented health data access.
How Oximio Can Support Clinical Trials in the UK and Beyond
As a global leader in supply chain solutions for clinical trials, we’re excited about the opportunities the 10-Year Health Plan presents for the sector.
In the UK, Oximio’s WDA licence from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) means that we can offer a more comprehensive and streamlined solution in the country, delivering greater efficiency and tailor-made solutions for our customers.
We’re committed to supporting clinical trials, both in the UK and worldwide, by ensuring that the logistical and operational elements of research are as efficient and smooth as possible. From trial setup and management to ensuring the timely delivery of materials and services, Oximio is here to help drive the success of these critical initiatives.
Let us help you navigate the evolving landscape of clinical trials, ensuring that every step is executed with precision, efficiency, and the utmost care. Why not contact us and find out how our comprehensive supply chain solutions can support your research in the UK and overseas.
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