Thousands taking part in clinical trials

DID you know that last year more than 2,500 patients took part in clinical trials at our hospitals?

Throughout the year we recruited patients to around 200 different research studies to help us learn more about how to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Research at South Tees continues to grow year on year and there are very few areas now where we do not have clinical trials.

Recent trials we have been involved with at the trust include: Exploring the potential benefits of exercise prior to major surgery; Comparing keyhole surgery to conventional surgery for heart patients requiring aortic valve replacements; Trialling a pioneering electrotherapy treatment designed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and help women beat incontinence; A national observational study to assess the long-term effects and safety of biologic treatments for psoriasis, and A trial to determine whether a steroid treatment could reduce long-term kidney failure in patients with a certain type of kidney disease.

Last Wednesday our research teams were busy promoting International Clinical Trials Day but here at South Tees we focus on trials 52 weeks of the year.

The message we wish to get across is It’s OK to Ask.

If you are interested in participating in clinical trials please do not hesitate to contact our research and development department for further advice or speak to your consultant or nurse.

It’s important to remember these trials would not happen if it were not for the patients who agree to take part or the nurses who are out there doing all the screening and delivering the treatments.

We are always looking for volunteers to join our various studies. You can find details of some of the trials we are currently recruiting to on our website at southtees.nhs.uk/ about/teaching/research/