Patients and the public

“Without research things won’t change, it is vital. I am here today because of the NHS and research. I would recommend anyone to get involved. The medicines and treatments we have today are a result of people like us taking part in clinical research trials. We all have the ability to help make patients – and the NHS – better by taking part in clinical trials which could have a huge impact on our health care now and for future generations.”

Stephen Wilson (pictured), 57, from Hyde, is a Patient Research Ambassador for Clinical Research Network, Greater Manchester. He became involved after a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012 left him with severe fatigue.

His nurse suggested that he might be interested in taking part in a research study that was investigating causes and cures for fatigue and Stephen decided to give it a go. After taking part in research, Stephen then made a decision to become more involved and this led to his ambassadorial role.

Interested in taking part in research?

Find clinical research studies that are seeking participants by searching Be Part of Research. You can search by geographical area and/or medical condition. Be Part of Research makes it easy for the public to learn about UK health and social care research.

Anyone, whether they have a condition or not, can search for ethically-approved studies, and ask to take part. Every volunteer makes a difference.

Patient and public involvement in research

Involving patients and the public in research is an important part of our funding, commissioning and management process and we expect researchers to actively involve the public in their research too.

We always need the public’s help to review funding applications and as members of decision-making committees, making recommendations about research funding. Find out how you can get involved.

You can read about a recent Patient Research Ambassador meeting, held on 27 June 2019, here.

Patient and public involvement in research advice for researchers:

INVOLVE provides information for researchers looking to include patients and the public in their research studies
The Research Design Service provides information and support for researchers looking to include patients and the public in their applications

Find out how you can support local research as a patient or member of the public:

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
The Salford Citizen Scientist project provides a database of research opportunities for members of the public and professionals
The North West People in Research Forum supports patient and public involvement and public engagement in health and social care research in the North West

For more information contact, Janet Eastwood.

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