Get exclusive insight into medical research

MEMBERS of the public wanting to find out more about clinical research are being invited to attend a series of events at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust marking International Clinical Trials Day on Monday, May 20.

Researchers from the Trust will be giving an exclusive insight into their work and the impact it has on patient care to celebrate the day that James Lind began the first ever clinical trial into the causes of scurvy.

They include teams from Sheffield’s National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Facility, diabetic and dementia specialists, breast cancer nurses from Weston Park Hospital and experts looking at diseases of the brain and nervous system. They will all be showcasing work at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital sites through videos, interactive displays and games.

At the Royal Hallamshire’s D floor canteen, diabetic researchers will be asking visitors to take part in their very own ‘sugar content challenge’ to see if people can correctly match up sugar amounts present in different sugary treats. They will be just one of 10 research teams displaying their work in the canteen between 11am and 2pm. Displays will also be showcased in outpatient areas across the Royal Hallamshire and at the Northern General Hospital.

Last year, over 12,000 patients took part in 725 clinical trials at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Simon Heller, Director of Research and Development at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “According to a recent poll, 82 per cent of patients believed it is important the NHS offers them an opportunity to become involved in a clinical trial. These events are an excellent way for people to come and find out more about the groundbreaking and world-renowned research taking place in Sheffield, what it means for patient care, and how they might be able to get involved.”

During the day patients will also be able to take a behind-the-scenes look at Sheffield’s state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility between 2.30pm and 6pm. Taking place at the Northern General and Royal Hallamshire sites, visitors will be able to tour the scanning room, have a look what happens in the lab, and speak to volunteers about their experiences of taking part in a clinical study first-hand.

A series of talks will also take place at the Northern General’s Medical Education Centre between 11am and 1.30pm.

Cancer specialists from Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital are also set to open their doors with a public event in the radiotherapy department between 6pm and 7.30pm. Members of the public will be able to view plans for the new Cancer Research and Treatment Suite, which is due to open in autumn this year.

This new facility, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and through Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity’s ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign, will allow even more patients access to a wider range of new cutting-edge cancer treatments, as well as enabling significant development of the hospital’s groundbreaking programme of clinical trials.

To find out more contact Lydia Harris on 0114 22 65911 or email Lydia.Harris@sth.nhs.uk.

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