National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

Over the coming weeks and months, you may receive a text message from us about taking part in a research study. 

This is because our practice is taking steps to get more involved in research, by teaming up with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 

These texts will direct you to your nearest research hub where the study will take place with in-person appointments. 

We believe this is good news for our patients. Many people who get involved in studies say they feel they’re “giving back” to a healthcare system which has helped them over the years. Patients also tell us they like having their health monitored during trials and enjoy the time they spend with the research doctors, nurses and clinical trials assistants.

The NIHR aims to get as many people involved in health research as possible. Please take a look at this website which explains how research is at the heart of improving care and treatments. 

Every medical breakthrough starts with research - and we can all play a part in this, whether we are generally healthy, or have specific conditions and illnesses. Research is open to people of all ages. 

So, if a message from us about research opportunities comes through to your phone - then you’ve been selected as a potentially suitable candidate for that particular study. What happens next is down to your own personal choice. If you’d like to find out more, the text message will link you to a study specific website. Equally, feel free to ignore it. 

But we hope you will consider taking part. 

The first study we will be promoting in this way is research into Covid-19 vaccines, and recruitment is likely to start in May of this year. This study enables researchers to create the best vaccines to tackle the latest variants. If you meet the study criteria, this is one way to help protect yourself against the virus.

Published: Mar 19, 2024