20th May 2021
The Southern Trust’s Clinical Research Team is encouraging local people to consider ‘being part of research’ as they mark International Clinical Trials Day 2021 (Thursday 20th May).
The team has made a significant contribution to national COVID-19 research over the past year, having recruited more than 1,340 participants to key studies prioritised by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers.
A number of senior Trust Consultants have been leading on a range of COVID-19 studies, for example relating to critical care, Emergency Departments, paediatrics, neonatal and pregnancy. The Southern Trust has also recruited the most participants in Northern Ireland for the RECOVERY Respiratory Trial and the SIREN Healthcare workers Study.
International Clinical Trials Day is an opportunity for clinical research professionals and the public to acknowledge the achievements that result from clinical research and to discuss various trial topics.
Explaining the importance of clinical research in health and social care Dr Peter Sharpe, Associate Medical Director Research and Development for the Southern Trust says:
“Research is needed for both common and rare conditions. It is only through research that we can develop better treatments and continually improve diagnosis, prevention, care and quality of life for everyone. With the arrival of new diseases, like COVID-19, research is absolutely crucial in helping us to understand their impact on the body, so we can develop new treatments and indeed vaccines.
“Of course research is only possible with the help of staff, patients and those from the general public who agree to take part. Last year, over a million participants helped improve healthcare and save lives by taking part in COVID-19 studies across the UK and on behalf of the Southern Trust, I would like to thank all of those who have participated in local studies.
“I would like to also recognise those staff who were able to proceed with some other important research projects despite the additional challenges of the pandemic, for example our Renal team at Daisy Hill and Cardiology at Craigavon Area Hospital.
“There are always a range of research studies ongoing throughout local health and social care and we are always looking for participants of different ages or backgrounds, some with health problems and others without.
“I would encourage anyone interested in helping to improve health and social care, to find out more about how you can make a difference for future generations.”
Clinical Research Nurses Carolyn Hutchinson and Teresa McKinley who undertake Renal Studies at Daisy Hill Hospital with patient and research participant Samuel Wright from Dungannon.
Learn more www.nihr.ac.uk/takepart
https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/campaigns/Ictd-2021/
To register or get involved in research www.nhs.uk/researchcontact
Find out more about International Clinical Trials Day here