The Peggy Wood Breast Care Unit at Maidstone Hospital has been commended in this year’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) awards for their contribution to vital research projects across the region.

The awards – hosted by the NIHR Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex – are a chance to say thank you to those who support the delivery of research and give patients the opportunity to take part in research that could lead to new treatments or new ways of delivering care.

The Peggy Wood Breast Care Unit, part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, were recognised for their support of the three Trust-sponsored trials in the Unit, with the surgical consultants and breast care nurses taking the time to refer patients who may be eligible, as well as making patients aware of the trials.

The booking team make sure that the team’s research time is protected, provide invaluable administrative support, make sure the rooms are clean and ready and the ultrasound machines ready to use, and provide support for procedures such as biopsies. This has led to the establishment of an embedded research clinic each week.

The nomination read: “We would like to nominate them for this award to thank everyone for all of their support, as without it we would not have been able to recruit to our trials as successfully as we have done”.

The Trust’s Head of Research and Innovation, Hazel Everest said: “I’m delighted that the Peggy Wood Breast Unit have been recognised for their support of these important research projects. Research at MTW involved over 5,000 patients last year, and the work of everyone involved means that today’s research becomes tomorrow’s treatment.”

“I am grateful to all the teams who have helped support research in the Trust this year; they have all helped make a difference. We are also grateful to all the patients who have taken part in our trials and projects. We are always struck by their willingness to take part in research and to help others”.