Paediatric research environment in the UK

Clinical research is essential in order to ensure that children receive the best possible treatment in the most appropriate manner. Paediatric research in the UK is mainly focussed on clinical trials. These are facilitated by networks such as the Medicines for Children Research Network. Child mortality rates in the UK are significantly higher than many other European countries. There is insufficient research in the UK into healthcare delivery for children. The most important outcomes in relation to research in children should be a reduction in child mortality rates and a reduction in child morbidity.