The latest clinical research news from the trust and our partners.
Welcome to Research Matters
One of our priorities in research is to improve how we work with patients and the public to develop, design, and plan research activities. We want everyone to have the opportunity to take part in research and for people to be actively involved from the start.
As part of this work, we've been working hard to improve and increase engagement out and about in the community. Earlier in the summer, we attended Pride and the Newcastle Mela where we talked to people about clinical research, busting some common myths, and sharing all the ways to get involved.
Left - Judith McGuiness, patient and public involvement and engagement manager, and Vicki Harris, head of public partnerships, at Newcastle Pride.
Recently, our head of public partnerships, Vicki Harris, and research colleagues visited Rainbow Home, a charity which supports LGBTQ+ people in the region who are seeking asylum.
As part of a pilot, we ran an interactive session about health research, talking with the group about what it involves, the importance of inclusion, and gaining feedback on how we can do things differently and better.
Speaking about the visit, chief executive of the charity, Jill Hardie, said:
"We were delighted to support a session with our group to look at health research and the research facilities at Newcastle Hospitals. Talking with hospital staff along with interactive exercises helps to break down some of the barriers about using health services and demystifying the world of health research."
In addition to the above, we run a quarterly patient and public engagement and involvement steering group which is attended by public contributors, members of the research directorate in the trust, and partner organisations. The group helps shape our priorities and focus so that the work we’re doing makes a real impact where it matters.
If you'd like to find out more about shaping the future of research and how you can get involved, please get in touch by emailingnuth.clinicalresearch@nhs.net.
GNCH has been selected as one of three hospitals in the UK to run a trial to evaluate a 15-minute blood test in children's A&E.
The hi-tech blood test can distinguish between bacterial or viral infections much more quickly than traditional tests – so serious diseases like sepsis or meningitis can be picked up sooner.
In Newcastle, the trial is led by Dr Emma Lim, consultant paediatrician, and supported by the paediatric research team.
Mr Sandip Nandhra, vascular surgeon at the Freeman Hospital, is leading a first-of-its-kind clinical study to compare two surgical options for acute limb ischaemia (ALI).
ALI is a common emergency condition that happens when the arteries supplying blood to the legs suddenly become blocked due to a blood clot.
The trial will compare keyhole versus open surgery to evaluate which is better for patients in terms of recovery, risk and infection, and cost benefits to the NHS.
Early withdrawal of a treatment for patients with a rare kidney disease is possible without relapse, safer for patients and saves the NHS millions of pounds, new research has revealed.
Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (aHUS) is a life-threatening condition caused by an uncommon defect in the immune system which, in the past, led to kidney failure.
Eculizumab, while highly effective, significantly increases the risk of sepsis. This risk is completely eliminated once patients withdraw from treatment. The withdrawal of eculizumab is not only of huge benefit to patients’ health and wellbeing but also represents considerable savings to the NHS of £4.2 million per patient over their lifetime
The study was led by Professor Neil Sheerin (pictured) and the trust's renal research team.
A study led by Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University found that a medication called tofacitinib helps to reduce muscle wasting in people with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia causes loss of muscle mass and strength and is commonly seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that, after six months, participants’ muscle volume had increased by 4% for the whole leg and by 5% for the thigh.
We've been selected as one of two sites in the UK to run a study looking at how a new brain implant could help to improve the quality of life, mobility, and independence of patients living with severe paralysis.
The feasibility study, called GB PRIME, aims to evaluate the safety and functionality of an implant called N1, designed to enable voluntary control of external devices, such as a computer or mobile phone, using brain activity.
It is intended to help people living with severe neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injuries and motor neurone disease.
Mr Akbar Hussain, pictured, is leading GB-PRIME with Dr Luke Bashford from Newcastle University.
Other news
Newcastle is one of several sites across the country to run the BiVISTA study. The study aims to find a vaccine against typhoid and paratyphoid A fever. To find out if you're eligible to take part, visit BiVISTA website.
Over 30,000 babies have now been recruited to the INGR1D2 trial. The Newcastle-led trial aims to detect type 1 diabetes in babies who are at higher risk of the condition by carrying out an extra test on the newborn blood spot screening card. All maternity units in the North East and north Cumbria and several in the east of England are now running the trial.
Our cancer trials team pulled out all the stops to recruit a patient to a trial within three days. The patient, Graeme, is part of the ASCERTAIN trial which is looking at additional treatments given to patients with prostate cancer before surgery.
The team worked closely with colleagues across the trust to screen, randomise and start Graeme on the trial so that his surgery wasn’t delayed.
Take part in research
If you'd like to find out about upcoming trials that might be relevant to you, sign up to Research + Me, an online registry for people who are interested in taking part in clinical research.
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 4LP
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