Alan Johnson: Patients to have increased role in medical research

Health secretary Alan Johnson has outlined plans to involve the public more in clinical trials.

At a summit to celebrate six decades of NHS research, Mr Johnson said as many patients as possible will be given the opportunity to participate in medical research.

He also maintained the importance of trials and research for the NHS, and went on to outline new plans for patients to be made aware of any ongoing research that may be relevant to their condition or treatment.

If they meet the criteria they may also be able to take part in such trials, Mr Johnson explained.

“The UK is a world leader in health research … I want every patient in the NHS to have the right to take part in approved medical research that is appropriate for them,” he added.

Mr Johnson is also the MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle.