R&D plays an absolutely vital role within a healthcare setting, especially when it comes to refining procedures and modernising services. Innovative studies enable hospitals to be ahead of the curve by trialling new medicines, developing better treatments and improving understanding of medical conditions. As a teaching hospital, DBTH places a great amount of importance upon cutting-edge research, which is why the organisation decided to set some time aside in November, in order to showcase all of the good work that has been done by their dedicated research team.
The celebration itself came in the form of two separate events, the first of which was about recognising all the patients who have contributed to the Trust’s studies. Taking place on Monday 4 November, this coffee morning was attended by over 40 research participants, who were greeted with hot beverages and cakes. It was the first time that the Trust has held a get-together of this kind and the response was incredibly positive.
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at DBTH, stopped by to personally thank the attendees for their support and to give an overview of where the research service will be heading in the future. Meanwhile, Dr Trevor Rogers, the soon-to-retire Director of Research and Development, also spoke to them about his personal experience as an investigator and how research has helped shape both his career and his treatment options as a respiratory consultant.
Speaking about the event, Dr Rogers said: “As a healthcare provider, we have a very large portfolio of studies taking place across each of our hospital sites. Given this heavy workload, we are absolutely reliant on our volunteer patient participants, who help us by completing questionnaires, trialling novel drugs and generally informing the way that we approach our projects. They simply don’t get enough credit, which is why we decided to host this special coffee morning in order to show our appreciation for all of their amazing contributions.”
The second event was held on Wednesday 6 November and was primarily focussed on how staff members themselves contribute to R&D at the Trust. Primarily aimed at nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs) who are looking to see how they too can get involved, the day included inspirational talks from a variety of internal and external experts. Among the speakers there was Professor Lynda Wyld, Breast Surgeon and Judith Clarke, Cardiology Nurse Specialist, as well as representatives from the University of Sheffield and Medipex.
However, the day’s real highlight came when patients took to the stage to describe how research had positively impacted them. One individual gave a particularly emotive account of how trial medication had empowered them to rebuild their life and manage a long term illness they had been coping with since a very young age.
Dr Rogers continued: ‘’With this event, we were aiming to communicate the transformative impact and incredible benefits that R&D can have on our patients. We hope that our guest speakers inspired others in the Trust to take their first steps into the field, so that we can continue to do fantastic work for the people of Doncaster, Bassetlaw and beyond.’’
If patients are interested in volunteering to participate in R&D projects, they can email dbth.clinicalresearch@nhs.net.