Could you be a Patient Research Ambassador?

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking to recruit at least two volunteer Patient Research Ambassadors who will play a key role in the clinical research taking place in their community.

The Patient Research Ambassadors (PRAs) will work alongside the clinical research team at the hospital, giving support and guidance to help them ensure patients taking part in research have the best experience possible. As part of the public-facing team for research within the Trust, they will be a point of contact for both patients and staff, helping to provide insight and share ideas about improving patient care in clinical research.

The Ambassadors will also play an integral part in local and regional research events across the east, where they will get to work with colleagues from other Trusts to promote research, as well as share knowledge to help develop the PRA role.

PRAs can be patients, carers or lay people with a passion for research who, by using their insight and communication skills, along with health care and research information services, can help to make the clinical research patient's experience as straightforward and informed as possible. The ideal candidates will have, or be willing to gain, knowledge of the clinical research patient experience and will be able to commit two hours per week to the role.

A dedicated member of staff in the Trust Research and Development team will provide on-going support and liaison to the appointment and a formal induction and full training will be given on joining the Trust. If you would like more information or are interested in applying for the voluntary role, please call Lisa Chalkley on +44 (0)1603 286611 or email RDoffice@nnuh.nhs.uk with “For the attention of Lisa Chalkley” in the subject area.

Notes to Editors

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of several NHS Trusts and Practices across Eastern England who are carrying out this recruitment as part of a pilot being run by the NIHR Clinical Research Network: Eastern.

About the NIHR Clinical Research Network
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funded through the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network is its research delivery arm, providing funding and resources (for example, research nurses) for research so that researchers and clinicians can gather the robust evidence needed to improve treatments for NHS patients. The Clinical Research Network also helps researchers and clinicians ensure their research is relevant, by encouraging patient and public involvement at every stage.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) covers the whole of England and is divided into 15 local networks, each covering a separate geographical area. These local networks support and champion clinical research in the NHS at every level.

About the NIHR Clinical Research Network: Eastern
The NIHR Clinical Research Network: Eastern is hosted by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The host is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of research in Trusts, primary care organisations and other qualified NHS providers across the Eastern area, which covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

To find out more go to www.crn.nihr.ac.uk.

Wednesday 1st of April 2015 10:00:33 AM