[A]fter achieving a perfect score on a number of national targets, the Research & Development team at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) has received a £5,000 financial reward.
The team consists of skilled research staff, including nurses and practitioners, assisting clinical teams with the set-up and conduct of studies with a view to improve patient care.
The team was tasked with recruiting patients to volunteer in research schemes and setting up studies for research projects.
The target was 90% of data completion between August to November 2017, and the team achieved a 100% outcome, which has resulted in the £5,000 award.
The funding has been awarded by the NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR supports health research by NHS organisations and works with charities and the life sciences industry to help patients gain earlier access to breakthrough treatments.
John Elliot, consultant surgeon and Chair of the Trust’s research and development committee, said: “This is the second time in just three months the team has secured funding thanks to their hard work and dedication in recruiting patients to be part of research. The team are especially good at getting patients on board to be part of our research and it’s good to see their hard work pay off.”
Stephen Eames, chief executive, said: “Our Research and Development team are hugely important to the Trust, thanks to them we are able to find new treatments and contribute better to patient care and outcomes. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both the staff, and also the patients who take part in any of our research projects and their valuable contribution.”