Our research team is aiming to build on its own high profile – after playing a leading part in finding new treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.
The research and development service has had a significant role in the national RECOVERY study over the last two years.
The trial has helped uncover several medications proven to be effective in treating patients ill with the virus.
The team was the second highest recruiter of patients to the study nationally and the first to test two treatments.
They have also been involved in the national Novavax study to produce a new vaccine. And the centre based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Looking to 2022 and beyond, the team aims to use the focus research has had to help draw attention to the other work going on across the Trust.
The service are involved in more than 70 studies – the majority of them national – into a whole range of conditions and illnesses.
Justin Carter is our clinical director for research and development. He said: “The magnificent contribution the team made to the various studies into Covid treatments and vaccines quite rightly got them the recognition they deserve.
“Not only that, it helped raise the role of research and its importance in helping discover new treatments in a way that we have never seen before.
“Our focus now is to build on the momentum we have gained over the last two years. And I know we have the expertise and dedication in our team to achieve this.”
Supporting our research team
Alison Chilvers is our research team lead. She added: “People have seen the impact research makes. It has helped us save lives and improve the health outcomes of so many. People have volunteered to be a part of these studies in record numbers.
“We are calling on people to keep supporting us.
“To any patients being treated by us, we encourage you to ask your health professional about research and whether there is anything they can be involved in.
“And to our wider staff across the organisation, we are asking you to play your part too, find out from our research about studies we are involved in and how you can help recruit patients to these studies.”
The research and development team, made up of a team of more than 20 experienced members including nurses and practitioners, are involved in a number of new studies this year.
To find out more about research at the Trust and how to get involved, visit our research page.
