YEOVIL NEWS: Top awards for clinical research members at Yeovil Hospital

THE clinical research department at Yeovil District Hospital is celebrating two international conference awards.

Professor Nader Francis, a consultant surgeon in clinical research and development at Yeovil Hospital, was presented with an award for best research at the International Congress of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, held in Lyon, France.

His research is around how biomarkers in breath can be used for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Nathan Curtis, a research fellow in the hospital’s clinical research department, was presented with the sought-after Karl Storz Award at the 25th European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons international congress in Frankfurt, Germany.

He was awarded the golden laparoscope trophy for best oral presentation, which was on his research around loss of life during colorectal surgery.

Competition for both awards was high, with Prof Francis speaking alongside 80 delegates from around the world including several from large universities known for their research.

PHOTO - TOP LEFT: Professor Nader Francis.

PHOTO - TOP RIGHT: Nathan Curtis.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Yeovil District Hospital.

Joanna Allison, manager at the clinical research and development unit, said: “For a small hospital, this is far above expected and demonstrates a really active research ethos from all clinical teams.

“The clinical research unit host all types of studies from simple blood tests and questionnaires, to drug and device studies.

“This includes studies in cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, surgery, orthopaedics, heart disease, children’s care and stroke.”

Clinical research has been run at Yeovil Hospital since 1995, with more than 110 studies in areas from cancer to diabetes currently recruiting.

Over the past two decades, the unit has grown from two nurses running three studies to a staff of 19, recruiting nearly 700 patients per year.

It hosts all types of studies, from simple blood tests and questionnaires to drug and device studies, including studies in cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, surgery, orthopaedics, heart disease, children’s care and stroke.

Research is carried out at Yeovil Hospital and across the NHS to continually improve treatment for patients and understand how to focus NHS resources where they will be most effective. Taking part in research opportunities can be very rewarding for patients; it can involve:

Taking part in activities that you may find helpful for your condition.

Understanding your condition better.

Helping researchers to develop new treatments and ways of working for the benefit of future generations.

Receiving new treatments that are not yet widely available.

Feeling that you are giving something back to the NHS.

To find out what research studies are being run, please contact the clinical research department by phoning 01935-475122, extension 4559.

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