Like so many people in the UK, I have benefited from the development of new treatments and innovations in NHS health care, but without realising the range and breadth of research being undertaken.
A few years ago my husband had a severe stroke abroad and was not able to receive the clot-busting treatment he might have received from the NHS at home.
We realised that so much more research was needed to develop new drugs or to carry out clinical trials on treatments already in the early stages of research.
Whilst I was caring for him I was involved in some adult social care research and this led me to join the UHCW Patient and Public Research Advisory Group and more recently becoming a Research Champion.
As a lay member of this group I found out about clinical trials and funding applications for a wide range of world class research projects.
The patient perspective is valuable to researchers at every stage of a study. Involvement ensures the research is relevant, improving the experience of participants in a trial or study and in communicating the findings.
Anyone considering taking part in research can be assured that careful thought has gone into design and implementation. More research is now being co-designed with patients to ensure clinical trials and studies are relevant and appropriate for potential participants.
There are many opportunities to take part in medical research to help others or benefit from a new treatment yourself. I would like to spread the word about being part of improving healthcare through rigorous research.
I have found it a privilege to able to contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of knowledge from our hospitals, universities and commercial or industry partners.