Trust holds successful research and development symposium
Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT) recently held its second annual symposium to highlight research and development successes across the Trust.
People from all over the South West attended the event which was held at the Barnstaple Hotel. The day included a number of speakers who highlighted some of the varied research and development work being done across the region. Topics included older women: the hidden victims of abuse, being a clinical investigator in the South West, and how to embed patient and public involvement and engagement research in an acute hospital setting.
The day also featured the unveiling of 14 year old Ryan Fryer’s story. Ryan has taken part in drug clinical research over the past three years, as part of his treatment at North Devon District Hospital for a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome. Ryan shared his drug trial experience by creating a comic strip. He was presented with a framed copy of his story by the Trust chairman, Roger French.
The symposium ended with an awards presentation to celebrate individuals and teams for their contributions to research and development.
Dr Alison Diamond, chief executive for the Trust, opened the symposium. She said: “Research and development is extremely important to the Trust as it ultimately benefits patients in our care.
“Congratulations to the speakers and award nominees whose hard work and dedication has contributed to some outstanding and important results in the field.”
Jo Harness, advanced occupational therapist for the Trust, won the Rising Star award for her methodical and practical way of working and effortlessly combining research into her clinical practice. This award celebrates staff who are making a significant impact or improvement to the research activities of the Trust, whilst being early on in their research involvement. Jo’s research involved investigating the effects of arthritis gloves on people with rheumatoid arthritis or early inflammatory arthritis with hand pain. Svetlana Kaminskiene, speciality doctor in cardiology for the Trust, was runner up.
Amanda Skinner, clinical research nurse for the Trust, won Educator of the Year, with Jane Hunt, clinical research nurse for the Trust as runner up. Amanda won for her significant contribution in promoting a research culture and encouraging colleagues or students to develop their interest and careers in research.
As well as individual awards, several categories highlighted the strength of Trust teams on research and development.
The Trust’s SafeTXT study team won the Best Team award for their health research study, using text messaging to raise awareness and reduce sexually transmitted infections in young people. The Trust’s Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC) was runner up in the Best Team category. The award celebrates the team that has made the most noticeable improvement in its performance or introduced new and innovative working practices that have resulted in increased research recruitment and patient experience.
Debbie Squires and the rest of her team in NDHT’s paediatric outpatient clinic won the Unsung Hero award for their vital behind the scenes work. The Trust’s medical records team were runners up.
