Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Pupils sign up for research register
Pupils from a Coatbridge high school have been encouraged to do their share for a vital medical research initiative.
Sixth year students from St Ambrose High were inspired to sign up to the Scottish Health Research Register (SHARE) - which seeks the support of people aged 16 and over - during a recent visit to the school by representatives of the programme.
The pioneering event was organised by NHS Lanarkshire’s research and development department, with the support of the school’s deputy head teacher Elizabeth Denton and the SHARE team.
Pupil Lauren Curtis, 16, said: “It was interesting to me because I’m hoping to work in neuroscience.
“I didn’t know about it before but now I’m thinking of signing up for it – and encouraging my twin sister to do the same.”
Her fellow student Jacob Plant, also 16, added: “It’s a great idea. I hadn’t thought about it before but I don’t see why I wouldn’t sign up.”
In March of this year fifth year pupil Rebecca Hamill, 16, signed up to the scheme as both Rebecca and her younger brother suffer from severe and potentially lifethreatening allergies.
Rebecca said: “It is only through more research that the NHS can develop new treatments for conditions such as these.”
The project aims to make it easier for experts to carry out pioneering research by matching volunteers on the register and their medical conditions to relevant research projects.
It also seeks permission for the use of leftover blood taken after routine testing for research purposes - a ground- breaking opportunity never before available to researchers.
SHARE recruiter Emma Johnston from Monklands Hospital’s R& D department said: “The school visit was a great success.
“Pupils could make a decision to sign up on the day or take leaflets home to discuss SHARE with their families. We’re delighted that a number of the students have decided to join.
“It only takes a minute to sign up but the benefits may be felt for generations to come because SHARE matches the right people to the right research projects.
“In addition, the blood left over from testing can help improve treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and asthma.”
People can sign up to the programme at www. registerforshare. org or by completing one of the freepost brochures which have been distributed at clinics, GP surgeries and pharmacies.