The University of Sheffield
National Institute for Health Research Sheffield Clinical Research Facility

Accessing the CRF

The CRF operates from both the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the Northern General Hospital within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. It offers purpose built, state-of-the-art, dedicated research facilities, which provide a specialist environment for the conduct of high quality clinical research.

Who can use the CRF?

The CRF can be used by staff from both partner institutions. The team are keen to work with both experienced and novice researchers to contribute to the development of clinical research across Sheffield and facilitate research conducted in accordance with Research legislation and to Good Clinical Practice standards. The team also welcomes working alongside research nurses who are not part of the core team to share expertise and best practice.

Who can I contact for further information?

For further information or to apply to use any of the resources please contact:

What support can the CRF offer?

The CRF team are available to give help and advice to researchers undertaking all types and levels of clinical research within the facility.

Research Coordinator

The Research Co-ordinator is able to provide expertise and guidance in study set up to all researchers using the CRF including assisting investigators with:

  • Application for grants and various funding bodies
  • Submissions for ethical, regulatory and research governance approvals
  • Protocol design
  • Preparation for regulatory inspection
  • Case report form design
  • Design of participant information sheets and consent forms
  • Liaison with other departments (eg finance/labs/pharmacy)
  • Finalising study documentation

Nursing Staff

The CRF has an experienced and enthusiastic team of senior research nurses who work closely with dedicated support staff to provide a specifically tailored service to researchers undertaking all types of clinical research. Emphasis is placed on providing a comprehensive and accessible service with the CRF nursing team working extensively to support investigators in all aspects of study conduct including contacting potential participants, conducting study visits and dealing with data entry and data queries.

Costs of using the CRF

Part of the R&D authorisation process includes a thorough Financial Review.


If you are using the Coordination service offered by the Clinical Research Facility then your CRF Research Coordinator will provide comprehensive advice and oversee the costing process.

The CRF works hard to provide a friendly and supportive environment. Patients and healthy volunteers are guaranteed that research undertaken in the CRF has met all the legislative, governance and ethical requirements that ensure participant safety.