A dispute over a lack of clinical trial room at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital may be resolved by using space at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) building.

Two internal reports showed not all clinical trials could continue at the new hospital due to space constraints.

The Government had suggested moving some trials to the Eleanor Harrald building at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, but clinicians rejected the plan.

Eight staff involved in administration functions will now be located at the SAHMRI next to the new hospital on North Terrace.

There will be space in the new hospital for 132 staff involved in face-to-face patient consultations as previously planned.

About 140 staff are currently working on 287 clinical trials at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, with another 100 trials expected to start in the next year.

Clinicians had said that beneficial research and drug funding could be lost interstate if there was not room for all trials at the new hospital.

An analysis done by a senior clinician Michael James on behalf of all clinical trial coordinators and investigators found the Eleanor Harrald building was completely unsuitable.

In the report, researchers warned that splitting trials across two locations would lead to a second rate new hospital and lead to reduced recruitment and gross inefficiency.

Small number of staff to be located close by

Health Minister Jack Snelling said the trials being conducted were world class.

"These important trials will deliver potentially lifesaving medical breakthroughs for many years to come," he said.

New RAH Activation executive director Paul Lambert said the trials would be located "where the action is".

"We have been able to allocate space for nearly all researchers within the new RAH, with a small number utilising space in the SAHMRI next door," he said.

"There has been great progress and great cooperation and we will continue to work with researchers to finalise plans for the move."

Australian Medical Association state president Janice Fletcher welcomed the latest development.

"The need for clinical research to continue uninterrupted by the relocation has been a longstanding area of concern and advocacy for the AMA," she said.

"Finally the Government has responded and we welcome the promise to continue this important work.

"Clinical research is a vital component of any major health facility, let alone a flagship hospital."