Natalie Farley appointed new Patient and Public Representative to the CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex Partnership Board
Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS) has appointed Natalie Farley as its third Patient and Public Representative to the Partnership Board.
Natalie is from Kent and is a carer for her mum. Natalie has achieved a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Forensic Psychology, achievements of which her dad was immensely proud.
On her appointment, Natalie said: “I applied for this voluntary role because I love research and the positive effects it can have on people’s lives.
“My dad had Huntington’s Disease. I saw how little support there was for people with Huntington’s Disease and I became passionate about helping people like my dad have a voice. Medical professionals would stop addressing my dad and instead they would talk to my mum, or me and stop noticing my dad. Research is one way that people can be given a voice about their condition.
“No one should go through anything to do with their health and care alone without knowing that there is some support out there, and that the support is based on research of those people’s needs. I believe strongly that research should reflect the people and communities it is trying to help. There is not a lot of diversity in research because not everyone accesses healthcare services and support, therefore they can not access research opportunities. So some research is not addressing the whole picture.
“I want to help people overcome barriers to accessing research, whether that is helping them understand what research is and what it is not, or telling people about opportunities that are available. I want to help people understand that there is no pressure to take part in research, but the option is there if they want to find out more information.
“I am looking forward to learning more about the NIHR and CRN KSS and becoming a Research Champion for one of my local NHS Trusts.”
Dr Joanne Zamani, CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome Natalie as our third Patient and Public Representative to the Partnership Board. She brings enthusiasm for putting the patient, or member of the public first within research activity and we look forward to working with her.”
