“Making good use of my spare time, helping others and getting paid”
CLINICAL TRIALS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The medicines development process is increasingly under
the spotlight, as people appreciate, the difference new
treatments can make to all lives. Quotient Sciences in Nottingham has been running clinical trials on behalf of
some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies for over 30 years, successfully completing hundreds of healthy volunteer trials for conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel
syndrome and more.
All medicines are rigorously tested before they reach the market and clinical trials typically take up to six years of this process. Healthy volunteers for clinical trials are critical.
Meet regular Quotient volunteer: Cara Pereria, 31 from Nottingham
Cara took part in her first trial with Quotient in 2018 and
she hasn’t looked back since. She’s volunteered for trials ever
since and has chosen to use the additional income to travel the world with her young son. As a single mum, Cara decided
to seriously budget after giving up her job to care for her son. She sold some of life’s luxuries and set about six months of
saving, with the plan being to travel the globe. Cara
spotted Quotient was local in Nottingham and thought volunteering could be a great way to top up her income.
She applied and went along for her initial health screening and then went on to complete
her first trial.
Cara said: “There was obvious
reluctance from my family. My mum asked “what are you
taking?” But the comprehensive information Quotient gives you
before your screen for the trial and the reassurance they have
been doing trials for over 30 years, made me feel as
safe as possible.
A free full health-check
“It didn’t take long after
applying, that I was invited for screening. If anything, at least this was a full health
MOT. I remember waiting
for the call to confirm if I had
been selected, and hearing the
words, ‘everything is fine, you
can come in for admission’, was a great feeling.”
16 volunteers took part in Cara’s first trial and friendships were formed. They regularly met for breakfast or around appointments.
A break from everyday life
“It’s reassuring to see the same people, and returning to Quotient feels like a family, all the staff welcome you and
remember you. There is plenty to do in the unit, with a great
selection of books plus the food is nice. To be honest, I like the
break from home life.”
Making life plans
Just five months after her first trial, Cara
set off on a two-month trip around Europe with Joey, debtfree. Since
then Cara has volunteered for
several studies, a mix of shorter and longer studies. They have
been for a range of treatments including asthma and heart
conditions.
Cara has also embarked on more enviable trips covering 28 different countries across three continents with her son. She adds: “We’ve been swimming with sharks and turtles on the Great Barrier Reef and stayed in a house
on stilts in the Andaman Sea, Thailand. We are so lucky to
have had these opportunities.”
Keeping in contact
Cara said: “I would encourage anyone who is looking to have some flexibility whilst getting paid to take part, to look at volunteering for clinical trials. It’s worked for me and has meant I have had valuable time with my son and created some amazing memories to treasure.”
Quotient is always looking for candidates to join their volunteer panel and get paid for taking part in their clinical trials. Their clinic is based in Nottingham and features the highest quality facilities and equipment. Quotient has completed over 1,500 trials and has worked with over 10,000 volunteers.
Email us: volunteer@ weneedyou.co.uk Call us on 0330 303 5000