Manchester patients invited to take part in research as part of new healthcare campaign
Greater Manchester is hosting an interactive event to kick-start a new campaign to get patients, carers and the public involved in clinical research.
Be Part of Research is the new nationwide initiative from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), supported by NHS trusts across the country.
A local launch is being hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research Network in Greater Manchester at Citylabs, Nelson Street, Manchester, on Friday 24 May, 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend. But anyone who can’t make it can still get involved – by making a simple pledge to show their support for health and care research.*
The event is an opportunity for patients, carers and the public to speak to healthcare professionals about research and see how they can get involved to help improve healthcare for the future.
Every hospital trust in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and East Cheshire will be in attendance to provide information about research opportunities in their area.
There will also be a chance to learn how to get involved in research at your local GP practice or in settings such as care homes and hospices. And local patients who have taken part in research studies will speak first-hand about their experiences.
Everyone will have the opportunity to take part in fun, mock-up clinical research trials to see how they work, and have their picture taken in the Be Part of Research photo booth. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and cake will be served all day, as well as a buffet lunch.
The message behind Be Part of Research is simple: Research changes lives. It’s only through research that we can develop better treatments and care, as well as improve diagnosis and prevention.
New figures released by the NIHR this week show that the number of people benefiting from clinical research in England reached record highs this year - with over eight hundred and seventy thousand (870,250) participants involved in studies supported by the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network alone over the last 12 months.
The number marks a significant step towards the NHS Long Term Plan’s goal of one million people taking part in clinical research by 2023/24 - part of the Government’s strategy to improve care, treatment and NHS services in England.
Debbie Vinsun, Chief Operating Officer of NIHR Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester, said: “Research is making a difference to lives every single day and that’s thanks to the almost three quarters of a million people, of all ages, who are willing to volunteer for studies in England every year.
“No matter where they live, patients, carers and the public have a right to be involved in research that affects them. Here in Greater Manchester, we’re proud to say that people have the opportunity to take part in research studies at hospitals, GP practices and other settings across our region.
“Whether you’re a patient or carer interested in getting involved, or a health professional thinking of working in research, our open day is the perfect chance to hear about all the opportunities in Greater Manchester – all under one roof.”
*How you can show your support health and care research:
- Attend our drop-in launch event - on Friday 24 May, 10.30am – 2pm. Register here.
- Pledge to Be Part of Research - take part, tell others about opportunities, and spread the word. Pledge now on our website.
- Find a research study relevant to you or a dependant - bepartofresearch.uk
- Register your interest in dementia research - joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
- Consent to be approached about research studies in Greater Manchester – register with Research for the Future to be contacted about local studies relating to diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease and kidney disease.
- Customise your profile picture – Add our Be Part of Research twibbon to your social media photo here.
Share the message on social media: Use our hashtag #BePartofResearch in your message.
