About | Pain Research Centre

Background

The Pain Research Centre (PaRC), formerly the Anaesthetic Laboratory, was established in 1991 by Professor Richard Langford, consultant in anaesthesia and pain medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust and past President of the British Pain Society. Professor Langford served as director of the Pain Research Centre until his retirement in 2016, after which his protégé Dr Vivek Mehta assumed the role.

Under their directorship, PaRC has flourished, developing an international reputation for its strong publication record in pain medicine and its commitment to high quality research and training of the next generation of pain clinicians.

Our Values

At Barts Health NHS Trust we uphold core values that guide our approach to healthcare and interactions with patients, staff, and the community.

These values are:

1. Compassion - Providing care with empathy, kindness, and respect.

2. Inclusivity - Ensuring services are accessible to all and embracing diversity.

3. Accountability - Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, and striving for transparency.

4. Innovation - Encouraging creativity and seeking new ways to improve services and outcomes.

These values are integral to our mission to deliver excellent medical and patient care across their network of hospitals.

History

PaRC's clinical and research activities are facilitated by Barts Health NHS Trust. The trust is formed of St Bartholomew's Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, Mile End Hospital, Newham University Hospital and Whipps Cross University Hospital.

St Bartholomew's Hospital is located in the City of London, near St Paul's. It was founded in 1123, making it the oldest hospital in the UK. It is still providing exceptional medical services and in 2023 celebrated its 900th anniversary with a visit from King Charles as well as fundraising for a new Breast Cancer Centre at St Bartholomew's Hospital and new Clinical Research Facility at the Royal London Hospital.

The Royal London Hospital, situated in Whitechapel was founded in 1740 and celebrated its 280th anniversary in 2020. It is is a major teaching hospital renowned for its trauma and emergency care services, including the operation of London's Air Ambulance. It serves as a flagship of Barts Health NHS Trust, offering a wide range of specialist and community healthcare services to the diverse population of East London.

Mile End Hospital is located a stone's throw away from The Royal London. It was originally established in 1883 and over the years it has undergone various transformations and currently serves as a community hospital providing a range of outpatient and rehabilitative services.

Whipps Cross University Hospital, located in Leytonstone, was officially opened in 1917. Initially, it served as a military hospital during World War I before transitioning to serve the civilian population. It provides a range of healthcare services, including maternity, elderly care, and emergency services. It is known for its redevelopment plans aimed at modernising facilities and enhancing patient care.

Newham University Hospital in Plaistow is the newest of all the centres, opening its doors in 1983. It offers a full range of services and features the Gateway Surgical Centre, a dedicated facility that supports a wide range of surgical procedures, from routine to specialised. This centre is pivotal in enhancing health outcomes for the East London community.