Meet our team
Our team of experts is waiting to welcome you at PRC: Newcastle. On this page you can find out who they are and and learn a little about their expertise and experience.
Professor Yan Yiannakou
Clinical Director
Yan is a consultant neurogastroenterologist and director of research and development for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Yan is enthusiastic about expanding research opportunities for people in the region and developing innovative and novel therapies.
Angela Birt
Business Manager
Angela's previous role was with the NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. She has worked in clinical research for 25 years and brings a wealth of experience. Angela has a master's degree in clinical research from Newcastle University and is passionate about bringing more research opportunities to our communities.
Dr Rebecca Coles
Research Physician
Becky has been a GP for 11 years, having moved to the north east to attend medical school. She has a special interest in diabetes and has led local research studies in this area. Becky is enthusiastic about making things better for patients everywhere through new discoveries and new evidence.
Dr Sara Colclough
Research Physician
Sara has worked as a GP for the past 17 years and has a specialist interest in palliative medicine, providing medical support to local hospices. Sara is enthusiastic about research and loves being a member of the team at PRC: Newcastle.
Dr Alice Gowing
Research Physician
Alice joined the team in July 2022. In addition to her work in the PRC she also works part time as a GP in the local area. Alice has been involved in clinical research since her days as a trainee GP and she feels passionately about widening access to clinical trials for patients living with common chronic conditions.
Angela Bailey
Senior Research Sister
Angela is recently new to the team, but brings a wealth of experience in research working in transplant, respiratory, cardiology and infectious diseases research. She has worked for Newcastle Hospitals Trust since 2001 with a background in cardiology.
Louise Quinn
Senior Research Nurse
Louise joined the Patient Recruitment Centre team in 2021 and brings with her a wealth of research experience and knowledge, having previously worked in cardiology research within the Newcastle Hospitals Trust for a number of years.
Donna Robson
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Donna has previous experience of trial coordination having worked within neurology and non-malignant haematology research. She has also held various research roles in the lung function department at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Before seeking her vocation with the NHS, Donna had an extensive career history in the sport and leisure industry within local authorities.
Georgia Williams
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Georgia joined the team in 2020 after completing a Master's degree in research at Newcastle University. Georgia works at the Patient Recruitment Centre and also across the Clinical Research Directorate at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. She is involved in the set up and delivery of a wide variety of research studies.
Lisa Howarth
Senior Communications Officer
Lisa joined the team in 2022. Her role involves promoting research to members of the public, keeping the website up-to-date, running the team's social media accounts, writing news stories and case studies and occasionally liaising with the press on media opportunities. Lisa has worked in healthcare research communications since 2021, having previously worked in the International Office at Newcastle University promoting and facilitating international exchanges for students.
Sarah Scott
Data Manager
Sarah joined the team in 2021, having previously worked within the research administration and secretarial team at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Sarah originally comes from a clinical background with previous experience as a midwife and health visitor.
Sandra Mawdesley
Business Analyst
Sandra has worked within the NHS for many years, 16 of these being within Newcastle Hospitals Trust. She has extensive business and management experience and is proficient with demand and capacity and other models. She works closely with the research finance team.
Alen Hodgson
Ward Domestic
Alen works for hotel services and is a valued member of the team. He works across the campus but is on the unit on a daily basis. Alen takes pride in his work and is always friendly and ready with a smile.