The Lincolnshire Clinical Research Facility (LCRF), part of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), has a patient and public research forum which ensures that clinical research in Lincolnshire’s hospitals focuses on health improvements which are important to patients and designed to meet their needs.
Forum chairperson Rose Brown said: “The aims of the forum are to improve people’s experience in clinical trials and their outcomes and to provide advice on research proposals from a patient/carer perspective.
“We advise the LCRF and the Trust on the direction of high quality research, training and embedding a research culture.”
She said the forum provides independent unbiased advice and support to new patients undertaking clinical trials.
“We are also responsible for increasing public understanding of research and making it accessible for all. The forum also ensures that patient documents are written in plain English.
“Membership of the forum is open to patients/carers who have been, or are about to be, involved in clinical research, or are interested in research.”
Last year across ULHT almost 2,000 people took part in 198 clinical trials, with research covering oncology, haematology, stroke, cardiology, paediatrics, dermatology, diabetes, midwifery, ophthalmology, respiratory, anaesthesia, general surgery gastroenterology and orthopaedics.
Members join the patient forum on a voluntary basis and travel expenses are paid. Meetings are held every three months.
If you would like to talk to someone regarding the forum or call for some unbiased advice, please contact Rose Brown, Chairperson.
Email: [email protected] Tel: (01522) 512512, ext. 582059.