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London nurses and midwives urged to take first steps within research careers

London research nurses and research midwives are urging their peers to get involved in research

Healthcare professionals from across London are urging nurses and midwives to consider careers within research and support vital studies, as part of the NIHR’s Your Path in Research campaign.

This month, the NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) has launched its annual Your Path in Research campaign, which aims to encourage clinicians to take their first step into, or the next step up, within their research career.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London’s Research Matron, Cherylin Reinholtz, manages the region’s agile workforce, which helps to increase the opportunities for people to take part in health and social care research in south London.

Cherylin said: “Research is essential in helping humanity to find better treatments, ways to manage conditions and to prevent disease. The people we serve must always come first and I work in this profession because I want to help to improve the lives of others.

“The NIHR offers a fantastic platform for healthcare professionals to pursue a research career. It is an exciting field to work in as individuals can develop their clinical skills, work with a range of experts and pursue further education.”

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research in England that improves people’s health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

Flexible Research Midwife Rebecca Jarman, who works for the NIHR CRN South London, helps to recruit people into clinical trials. She said: “There has never been a better time to work in research and in particular midwifery research. Pregnancy is a key life event which shines a spotlight on women’s health and provides the opportunity to positively influence health during pregnancy and beyond.”

If you’re interested in knowing more about the opportunities to support research in your organisation, or to make it part of your career, a great place to start is your local research department in London. They can help you discover what research is taking place and ways to get involved. You can find out how to contact your local department by visiting the NHS Research and Development Forum's directory.

For Michelle Anderson, Reproductive Health and Childbirth Research Champion Midwife at NIHR CRN North Thames, research is key to filling the gaps in clinical practice. “I like working on new things and I am never bored with research as there is always something different,” Michelle explained. “Some midwives can be a bit apprehensive about research, but I try to encourage everyone to get involved!

“Where there are gaps in clinical knowledge, we must try to find the answers.”

Agnes Collarte, a nurse delivering research at the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “It is amazing to see and to make a difference in patients’ lives. Research is so much fun. It gives me a flavour or a spice to motivate me every day.”

You can find out more about the campaign, and how you can discover easy ways to start your research career, by visiting the Your Path in Research website today.