Public invited to clinical research open day

Published: 10 May 2017

Local residents are being invited to learn more about clinical research in the NHS at an International Clinical Trials Day event being held on Monday 22 May (3pm-7pm) at Torbay Hospital’s Horizon Centre.

Hosted by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, this year’s Clinical Trials Day is a drop in event. There is no need to book; people can turn up on the day. Between 3pm and 7pm visitors can explore the various information display stands, talk to research staff about trials and have the option to take part in a fun research trial involving chocolate. A cream tea with light refreshments of tea or coffee will be provided for those who attend.

Similar events are held annually in conjunction with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and are intended to show case the real benefits of research and encourage local engagement.

Chris Dixon, Trust Lead Research Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Clinical trials are a key research tool for advancing medical knowledge and patient care. Although clinical research is thriving in the NHS, most patients are unaware of local opportunities unless they are approached to take part in a particular study by their own doctor or nurse. We want to raise awareness and encourage more patients, carers and the public to engage in clinical research and that it is ‘OK to ask’ their doctor or nurse about research they might be able to take part in.

“Research is conducted across a range of diseases and conditions within Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. We currently have approximately 275 studies being carried out at the Trust (including Stroke, Cancer, Rheumatology, Ophthalmology, Diabetes, Dementia, Cardiology and Dermatology) with 150 studies still needing more recruits. The Trust recruited over 1,500 patients into trials during 2016/17.

“This is a great opportunity to meet the Trust’s clinical research team, find out more about who can take part in clinical trials at Torbay Hospital and why these trials are so important to our patients, our staff, our local hospital and our local health community.”

For more information on research and development in Torbay and South Devon, visit www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/research-and-development.