* When the ACRN was first established, one of the aims was to increase patient recruitment into trials from the cancer units. Before the ACRN was established, the majority of patients entering studies in the Arden Network could only do so at the University Hospital and not from the cancer units (George Eliot, Warwick, Solihull and Redditch). One of the major achievements has been to give patients access to trials at their own hospital, now, almost half of all patients entering trials do so at the cancer units.

* The ACRN has consistently had a good record of recruiting patients into studies and has been the top recruiter to several national studies over the last few years, especially breast and bowel studies.

* In 2005/06 the ACRN was the highest recruiting cancer network nationally; this was due to one study which was a very simple study to conduct as it involved patients who had had breast cancer completing a questionnaire and giving a blood sample.

* Once a year a sample of trial patients are asked if they would mind completing a survey about the trial service, so far this has always given very positive feedback, with patients being very happy with the care and information they have received from the trials team.