Clinical Research is a core function of the NHS which helps drive innovation and maintain high standards of patient care. Shore Medical takes part in research commissioned by the NHS which enables us to offer our patients access to new and improved treatments, interventions and medicines which ultimately helps us to develop a wider evidence base across primary care. Dr Alex Todd is our Research Lead at Shore Medical and has completed Good Clinical Practice for Research (GCP) training to ensure we comply with principles set out by the UK policy framework for health and social care research.
The Department of Health set up The National Institute for Health and Research (NIHR) to fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research to improve people’s health and wellbeing and promote economic growth. At a local level the Wessex Clinical Research Network (CRN) provides infrastructure and support to promote high quality research across our area.
There are a number of ways in which you can become involved in research studies within Shore Medical. A doctor or nurse may talk to you about a particular study relevant to your health and ask whether you would be interested in taking part, you may be sent information by SMS or through the post if you are identified as a suitable participant or you may read about studies on our website or in our waiting room.
The studies we undertake have been reviewed by the Wessex CRN and have had ethical approval to ensure they are safe to perform. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw from a research study at any time. Your care will not be affected in any way should you decide not to take part. The consent process ensures you receive clear information about what taking part would involve and you would have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details.
For further patient information please visit the NHS Health Research Authority website: Patient Data and Research leaflet – Health Research Authority (hra.nhs.uk)
