Milton Keynes people are being encouraged to sign up to learn about health research studies they can take part in after new figures show more than 5,000 participated in trials in the 12 months from April 2023.
In a twelve-month period, people took part in studies that are supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a Department of Health and Social Care-funded organisation that finds and supports the delivery of health and care research trials.
Studies took place at settings including at hospital, community venues such as GP practices and from home via studies managed online.
More than 2,200 Milton Keynes people have also registered with the NIHR-led Be Part of Research online service to be contacted about studies they could take part in across specialities such as diabetes and cancer.
Figures for people recruited in Milton Keynes in the 12 months from 1 April 2023:
- 4,753 people recruited into 76 studies at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- 342 people recruited at 24 Milton Keynes GP practices
Studies which recruited in the county in the 12 months from April 2023 include:
- The DiscoverMe study which collects health and genetic information to increase understanding of diseases and help improve patient care. Participants enrol via participating GPs or online
- The Newborn screening for SMA trial to see if newborns in the UK can be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which weakens muscles and causes problems with movement, to start treatment before symptoms develop. More than 1,200 parents enrolled their baby in the study at Milton Keynes University Hospital
- The PANORAMIC study into potential antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19, which people enrol for online and take part from home
Lynn Wren, Deputy Head of Research & Development at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said, “At Milton Keynes, we are committed to building strong connections with our local communities, ensuring our research is both high quality and relevant to the needs of those we serve. “
She continued, “By expanding our capabilities, we aim to provide even more opportunities for community involvement and ensure our studies are inclusive, comprehensive, and impactful. We couldn't achieve what we do without the engagement of our patients, clinical teams and public, thank you all!”
Dr Nick Thomas, Clinical Director at the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, said, “It is fantastic to see such high levels of research activity in our region. The NIHR supports research nationally across all health and care settings, always striving to provide opportunities to all members of the community. This report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the experienced NIHR research teams and the significant public support in engaging with research.”
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.
Sign up to be contacted about taking part in research at the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website at https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/.
