About us
The Oncology Clinical Trials and Research Unit (the CTRU) was established at Tamworth Hospital in 2003, and in the last 20 years has coordinated multiple clinical trials and research projects at Tamworth Hospital site and in the surrounding region.
We are located at the North West Cancer Centre at Tamworth Hospital, and work with oncologists, haematologists, and other health professionals to help deliver cancer clinical trials and research projects across our region.
Our team
We work with health professionals, research organisations, trials sponsors, and patients and their families to provide greater opportunities for trials and research participation and development in our region.
For more information, email HNELHD-TamworthClinicalTrialsNWCC@health.nsw.gov.au
- Alexandra Smith – Manager, CTRU
- Rebecca Griffiths – Clinical Trials Coordinator
- Robyn Tuckey – Administration and Finance Support Officer
All CTRU team members and other relevant site staff are certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for research (TransCelerate-endorsed).
Affiliated investigators, researchers, and other staff include:
- Dr Sunil Rai – Medical Oncologist & Director, Medical Oncology, NWCC
- Dr Vinod Mathai – Medical Oncologist, NWCC
- Dr Israfil Baluwala – Haematologist, NWCC
- Dr Aki Ghani – Palliative Care Clinician, Tamworth Hospital
What we do
We have experience in Phase II to IV oncology, haematology, and palliative care clinical trials. We have supported clinical trials focused on different patient cohorts and cancer types, including colorectal, breast, prostate, lung, upper GI, renal, and other cancers. We have also been involved in developing, coordinating and supporting research projects across a wide range of topics in oncology.
How can we help?
We can provide support and coordination for oncology clinical trials and research projects at Tamworth Hospital. This can include:
Clinical Trials:
- study start-up activities including finance, contracts, and service agreements with supporting departments
- ethics and governance activities
- trial activities throughout the duration of the study including patient activities coordination, data management and all study documentation (ISF, CRF) maintenance
- trial close-out and archiving.
Clinical Research:
- research idea development and design advice, including protocol development advice and input
- advice and assistance with research ethics and governance
- assistance with research methodology, and data collection and analysis options and implementation
- advice and assistance with preparing abstracts and manuscripts for presentations and publications.
For trial sponsors: Our site capabilities
Links / Resources:
- HNE Research Office - https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/hnelhd/our-research
- NSW Cancer Council: Clinical trial information - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/clinical-trials/
- Cancer Institute - https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/cancer-clinical-trials-in-nsw
- National Clinical Trials Governance Framework - https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/national-clinical-trials-governance-framework
- OHMR/R3 Clinical Trials Enabling Program - https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/rural-regional-remote-ct-program/
- NSW Regional Cancer Research Network Home - NSW Regional Cancer Research Network
Contact us
For more information or to request support, contact us by email at HNELHD-TamworthClinicalTrialsNWCC@health.nsw.gov.au or by phone on (02) 6767 8779.