Each year between over 6,000 patients take part in a research project at MTW.
Patients often tell us that taking part in research gives them a better understanding of their condition and the possible treatments, and helps them feel they are contributing to the development of tomorrow's treatments.
If you would like more information about joining a research project or would like to meet people who have taken part in research, contact the Patient Research Ambassador the Research and Innovation department on 01622 225627.
Why have I been invited to join a research project?
Joining a research project may allow you to access the latest drugs and treatments which your care provider believes will help you.
Sometimes, you may be invited to join a trial to compare you to someone who is not on a trial so we can discover how well different treatments work.
Or, we might ask you to join a trial to get your views and opinions on things such as drugs, treatments and interventions. This is usually done to find out how well something is working over a longer period.
Ask about trials open to you
It is not just doctors who do research; lots of staff in different roles lead on and deliver research projects. If you're interested in taking part in a research project or think you would benefit from participating, please speak to your care provider. This may be a doctor, nurse or therapist.
Alternatively, you can speak to a member of our team, where research professionals including nurses, laboratory staff, pharmacists and therapists can discuss your individual situation.
Patient research champions
If you are interested in research, would like to volunteer at your local hospital and can give just a few hours of time a week, you may be interested in becoming a patient research champion.
Working with volunteers, you will support patients involved in research trials. You will also be part of a team who help promote the importance of research to healthcare providers and the wider public.
To find out more contact Frances Mossie, Lead Patient Research Champion at frances.mossie@nhs.net or telephone 01622 228728.
Research focus groups and design meetings
It is good practice to involve patients and the public in research planning. If you're interested in joining a focus group to help design research trials, please let us know. You could help to design research in an area of healthcare that matters to you, or choose to support a variety of projects.
Tell us where you would like to see more research
If you would like to see us doing research in a new area, please let us know. It may be a particular disease or new innovation, or something you may have seen in another hospital. If you have a suggestion please speak to your care provider or to a member of the Research and Innovation team.
