AIREDALE NHS Foundation Trust is helping to spearhead a rise in clinical research, according to new figures.

And its place at the forefront of such research is bringing the latest and most exciting treatments to the district.

The new figures – released by the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, the research delivery arm of the NHS – reveals more than half of NHS trusts across the country have increased the number of studies they are carrying out.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has increased from 32 studies in 2012-13 to 44 in 2013-14.

Out of the 251 trusts in the league table, Airedale is123rd.

Carole Paley, head of research and innovation at the Airedale trust, said: “In the last year, we’ve boosted our research activity at Airedale by 25 per cent as well as broadened the work across more conditions and specialities.

“More doctors and nurses are now research-active and we have put a greater emphasis on the need for evidence-based practice. Patients and the public are more aware that Airedale is taking part in clinical trials and more people are being offered the chance to take part in them.”

Jonathan Sheffield, chief executive officer of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, said: “It’s great to see a real appetite for research. I would like to thank all the patients and carers who have taken part, and thereby made a contribution to improving NHS treatments for everyone."

Patients and carers can find out more at nhsresearch.org.