More than 65,000 take part in NIHR research in Thames Valley and South Midlands

A total 65,273 people took part in research supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands in 2022/23, new figures show.

They were recruited into 745 studies across a range of medical specialities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire.

Among the studies participants volunteered for in the 12 month period in hospitals and the community were:

• A drug to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with vascular disease
• Comparing two different types of biopsy methods in the diagnosis of prostate cancer 
• Using ultrasound to predict possible complications before lung surgery
• Testing for spinal muscular atrophy in babies, a rare genetic disease which causes deterioration of the muscle and can be fatal if untreated

Participants were recruited at:

• Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - 671
• Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust - 8,885
• Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - 7,912
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust - 3,175
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - 23,871
• Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - 6,515
• Other recruitment (including community studies)  - 14,244

The NIHR Clinical Research Network helps researchers make studies happen in the NHS, public health and social care. In England, almost one million people, 952,789, took part in NIHR-supported research in 2022/23.

Dr Nick Thomas, Clinical Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, said: "The results signify a fantastic achievement in the diverse research activity across our region. We congratulate all of the expert research teams within our network as this success is testament to all their hard work and enthusiasm. 

"Furthermore, it reflects the strong relationship we have with our patients. We thank them for recognising the importance of clinical research to the NHS and their continuing support of the incredible number of studies in our region."

Buckingham’s John Barnett, 69, was invited to take part in a study into heart diseases after he attended Milton Keynes University Hospital’s A&E with chest pains in March.

He woke up with pain on the left side of his chest and back. Wife Gill, a retired nurse, phoned 111 and an ambulance was sent as it was suspected John had had a heart attack.

John ((pictured below with, left to right, daughters Jessica and Phillippa and wife Gill) was taken to Milton Keynes University Hospital where an electrocardiogram determined he had not had a heart attack.

Patients who report chest pains without a heart attack are usually discharged with no further testing.  However, John was invited to take part in the TARGET-CTCA study, which uses a computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) heart scan to look for previously unidentified heart disease and prevent heart attacks in those who have experienced chest pains. The effectiveness of the scan is compared to those who received standard care.

It found John had blockages in his arteries which could spread and block the artery if left untreated.  It also found his aorta, the largest artery which carries blood from the heart, had doubled in size, likely as a result of having high blood pressure for so long.

He was prescribed statins to reduce blood cholesterol and break down the blockages in his arteries and his blood pressure medication was increased. He will have further scans to see if his blood pressure reduces.

John said: “I had no idea that something else could be wrong once my pain was attributed to muscular, so I’m so relieved these issues have been picked up.”

The grandfather-of-two, said: “I’m so pleased that I was invited to take part in the trial and have all these things diagnosed before it’s too late. If it wasn’t for the study, I wouldn’t have known about my heart issues.”

John, a retired psychotherapist, said: “The communication and the care I have received have been amazing. I don’t think I could have had better treatment.”

As well as patients being offered the opportunity to participate, healthy people can also take part so results can be compared to those with a medical condition.

Participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS, public health and social care and save lives.

The NHS, public health and social care supports research by giving patients opportunities to take part in trials. Healthy people can also take part so results can be compared to those with a medical condition.

Patients are also encouraged to ask their doctor or health professional about research opportunities and search for and sign up to be contacted about trials at bepartofresearch.uk