More than 70,000 take part in North Thames research as every NHS trust in England delivers
There were more than 70,000 participants in research in North Thames in 2019/20, according to new figures released by the NIHR today.
This figure means that the total number of research participants in the region over the last five years is 355,976.
Alan Mitchell, who took part in the NIHR-supported RECOVERY trial while fighting for his life with coronavirus, explained: “Research is so important for our health and the health of future generations. To be one of more than 70,000 who took part in research in 2019/20 feels like a great privilege.”
NHS trusts across North Thames recruited to 1,273 studies last year, and of these, 374 were commercial studies.
For the second year running, every NHS trust in England recruited to studies. A total of 732,176 participants took part in NIHR CRN supported studies in the 2019/20 financial year. That takes the total number of participants recruited to NIHR CRN studies over the last five years to 3,599,944.
The highest recruiting medical specialty nationally was primary care, with 151, 868 participants recruited. This trend was maintained in North Thames, with 28,350 participants enrolling at their GP surgery.
“The fact that so many people are getting involved in research through their local doctors' surgery really is great news,” commented Dr Chas Thenuwara, Primary Care Specialty Lead for the region. “It shows that our GPs are really spreading the word – and patients are signing up enthusiastically.”
Professor David Wheeler, co-Clinical Director at CRN North Thames, said: “These overall numbers are great for both NHS patients, who are helping to shape the treatments of tomorrow, and the NHS staff, who have had such a heavy workload, particularly during COVID-19.
“We thank everyone, heartily, for everything they put into research last year.”
Dr William van’t Hoff, NIHR CRN Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to see strong results of research delivery, reflecting the tremendous amount of work from many different staff based throughout our entire regional networks and in all healthcare settings. The NIHR CRN is truly showing its reach and opportunity to help researchers and patients across the whole country.”
To find out more about research, visit the Be Part of Research website.
