Two top awards for NSFT researchers | News and events

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has been presented with two prestigious Clinical Research Network East of England Awards in recognition of its commitment to research and supporting those who take part.

The Trust received the ‘Putting Patient’s First’ award for an innovative project called REACH, while carer Geoff Fenwick was named ‘Research Volunteer of the Year’ for his work on a study called Carecoach.

NSFT’s Research Team developed the REACH referral system in late 2020, which is designed to make it easier for people to sign up for studies. The online database was used extensively during the first lockdown, with more than 1,000 people enrolling in a COVID-19 psychological impact study and helping NSFT to become one of the highest recruiting trusts in the country.

In addition to the database, NSFT has also worked with research participants to co-create a range of materials to support them through their research journey. This includes a welcome pack explaining what to expect when taking part in research and the sort of studies which are taking place, as well as completion pack which helps participants to find out the results of their research study and explains how to feedback about their experiences.

The packs have had a significant impact on the number of people keen to stay in research, with more than 75% remaining on the REACH database after receiving the information compared with 40% before the initiative was introduced.

Geoff picked up his award for his work as a carer representative on the Carecoach study, which aims to give those caring for someone with dementia the skills to manage and support day-to-day care.

The study invited carers to share their experiences and views about supporting people living with dementia, as well as give feedback on a website designed to support dementia carers.

Dr Bonnie Teague, Head of Research with NSFT, said: “We are delighted that our work to encourage and support participation in research has been recognised with these awards.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has signed up to take part in research with our Trust whose generosity is helping to improve care for patients across the country. In particular, we’d like to congratulate Geoff, our wonderful carer representative, for playing such an invaluable role in the Carecoach study.”

The awards were presented during a ceremony on Wednesday (6 July) and come just a week after NSFT’s Researching Together Network initiative was named as a finalist in the Clinical Research Nursing category of the Nursing Times Awards 2022.