Our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to Pinderfields Hospital, part of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
The visit gave members the opportunity to hear about the wide range of clinical research and trials taking place across a number of specialities, including maternity, urology, acute care, respiratory care, stroke and neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and spinal services.
Members met research teams and nurses who spoke passionately about their work and explained how clinical trials have improved treatments, supported patients, and made a positive difference to many lives.
Touring the research facilities was particularly valuable, allowing members to see the site first-hand, understand how research is delivered in a clinical setting, and learn more about the patient journey — from being introduced to a trial through to receiving treatment and follow-up support.
Cordelia, a PPIE member who lives near the hospital, said:
“It was very interesting and informative to hear the clinical staff talk about their respective areas of clinical trials with such commitment and passion. For us as the ‘Voice of the Public’, it brought clinical trials research to life, as we had previously only assessed clinical trial documentation and learned about the CRDC in theory.
“The visit made it all seem real, and we could see how beneficial and necessary clinical trials are for the future. I was amazed by the number of clinical trials being run at Pinderfields. It was also amazing to hear the success story of the mother who participated in a clinical trial for morning-sickness medication and went on to give birth to a beautiful baby, thanks to the trial being successful for her.”
Another PPIE member, Zaheer, reflected:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to visit Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and meet the amazing staff involved in the CRDC. Much of the work is at the forefront of research in their respective fields, using innovative methods, tools and technologies to help improve health outcomes for patients in the local area and beyond.”
The experience brought clinical research to life and helped members connect and understand the processes.
A huge thank you to Laura Harrison and the entire Mid Yorkshire team for their warm welcome, wonderful hospitality and for sharing their knowledge and experiences so openly. It was an informative, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable visit.
Shummel UddinCRDC UK NetworkProf Dinesh SaralayaMid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
