Free health check at hub open day

Research teams will be offering free health checks and advice to the community as part of an open day for people to find out more about clinical studies happening on their doorstep.

Staff at Portsmouth Research Hub are opening their doors to the public on Thursday, April 18, between 10am and 2pm.

Based at the John Pounds Centre, the special event will take place in the centre’s sports hall, with tours offered of the clinical trials facility which is located on the first floor.

Portsmouth Research Hub is a collaboration between University Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research). It first opened during the pandemic to help research Covid-19 vaccines, and played an important role in helping roadmap our way out of lockdown.

The team continues to offer local people the chance to take part in clinical trials which aim to save and improve lives.

Johanna Mouland, research nurse lead, said: “We’d really love people to come and ask us questions, and have a look around. Everything we do relies on volunteers.

“People who take part tell us they get a lot out of the experience, knowing they are helping improve healthcare for everyone.”

The event will also be offering health advice and free health checks in the sports hall at the John Pounds Centre.

Organisers are particularly keen to raise awareness among ethnic groups.

Shipa Ahmed Khan, health inequalities lead at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “It’s really important that people from all ethnic backgrounds take part in research, because this ensures the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, treatments and interventions.”

For your free ticket, go to: tickettailor.com/events/ nihrcrnwessex/1197085.