Research covering a range of health conditions will be spotlighted at Walsall Pride this weekend, with visitors able to find out how to get involved in important, often life changing, studies.
The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) will be hosting a stand at tomorrow’s event, supported by members of the Research and Development Team from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
People will be able to find out more about the range of studies being carried out through Walsall Manor Hospital as well as how to access the Be Part of Research service which details all the trials available for potential participants.
Catherine Dexter, Research and Development Manager at Walsall Healthcare said: “We’re looking forward to speaking to communities tomorrow to let them know about the vital research work going on here in Walsall as well as farther afield.
“We’re proud that we’ve had several research firsts here including being the first site in Europe to offer the DELTA Teen study to adolescent patients who suffer from severe, chronic hand eczema.
“Last year we recruited more than 340 participants for 19 different studies across the following specialties: Critical Care, Oncology, Surgery, Dermatology, Cardiology, Neonatal, Maternity, Microbiology, Emergency Care, Rheumatology and Endocrinology.
“We had the highest-ever commercial recruitment for Walsall with 84 commercial recruits with Cardiology and Dermatology driving this. We also took part in new gastro drug trials for Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis- the first at Walsall for a long time.Taking part in research trials and studies, not all of which involve medication or treatment, can absolutely change people’s lives – if not now, in the future. And we’re particularly keen to talk to younger people about research opportunities, as well as ensure we’re involving the many communities who make up our borough.” Walsall Pride is being held at the Arboretum Extension, Broadway North, Walsall WS1 2QB,and runs from 12noon until 7pm. As well as stalls and stands, visitors can enjoy music and comedy including main stage headline act Liberty X.
The NIHR West Midlands Regional Research Delivery Network helps support research carried out by 25 NHS Trusts and six Integrated Care Boards as well as hospices, schools, prisons, care homes and local authorities across the region. The Network is hosted by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.