NIHR Clinical Research Network marks another big year for health and care research in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
More than 73,000 people across Kent, Surrey and Sussex participated in health and care research studies over the last year, according to new statistics released by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
A total of 73,003 individuals took part in 545 NIHR-supported research studies across the region. These studies ranged from finding cutting-edge cancer treatments to studies into vital new COVID-19 vaccines.
This is the second year in a row that the NIHR Clinical Research Network has reported patient participation of more than 70,000 in Kent, Surrey and Sussex - with the previous year being even higher at 77,430.
These figures demonstrate the commitment that the healthcare profession, patients, and the general public across the region have shown - not just to finding effective treatments for COVID-19, but to finding new treatments for a range of conditions that affect people in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and beyond.
As well as COVID-19 studies, 2021-2022 figures show increases in the number of people participating in research studies in numerous other areas of medicine, including: diabetes, cancer, strokes, dental health and dermatology.
“COVID-19 continues to present major challenges to the health sector and society at large. But the pandemic has shown us just how vital health and care research is, and I am delighted with the way the people of Kent, Surrey and Sussex have responded,” said Dr Joanne Zamani, Chief Operating Officer, NIHR Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
“I am so proud of our participants, who continue to make such a big contribution - whether it is by working with their local NHS Trust, or on one of the growing number of research studies we are carrying out in non-NHS and out of hospital settings.
“We hope that more people will engage in health and care research in the next year, and that we can work together to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
Dr William van’t Hoff, Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network said:
“Against the backdrop of the pandemic and as we support the recovery of the UK research portfolio, our roles and achievements for NIHR remain vital. I want to offer a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in the incredible successes over the last year. By taking part, shaping or delivering this research you have helped develop the evidence and treatments that will benefit us all.
“This year we look forward to further building on these successes - playing our role contributing to the system-wide Research Reset programme, increasing our research in primary care and community settings, and further ensuring our research meets the needs of all our communities, across the country, so we can improve health, care and quality of life for everyone.”
