Research and development has been part of University Hospital Hairmyres (UHH) for many years. However, during the pandemic the research team and studies undertaken became more visible with the introduction of Covid research, in particular, the ‘Recovery’ and ‘Siren’ trials. As a result, the research team now has more engagement with medical and nursing staff, including a rise in the interest in research projects from different specialities.
The research team at UHH has expanded over the last five years. The team is now made up of nine members of staff which consist of research nurses and clinical trial practitioners who each have many years of experience. It currently undertakes oncology, cardiology, stroke, respiratory, Covid, anaesthesia and gastroenterology research studies.
Celebrating its success this year, Margaret McKernan, a senior research nurse, has recently undertaken the role as principal investigator. Liz Lennon, senior research nurse, has also further developed her training role in both dangerous goods and good clinical practice (GCP), both of which are delivered in NHS Lanarkshire.
Through financial support from the NHS Lanarkshire Board, the research and development department has recently had long overdue refurbishment works carried out on its clinical space. These works have allowed the research team to increase their ability to support medical staff within UHH to carry out essential research projects. The works also included the addition of a bespoke laboratory, which has enabled research staff to process biological samples in a dedicated area. Previously, the research team were sharing a space in the special methods laboratory within the main hospital.
Dr Phil Birschel, consultant stroke physician, said: “We are delighted with the new research facilities which will enable us to continue to carry out high quality research, both in my own specialty of stroke medicine, and in other specialties for the benefit of our local population here at University Hospital Hairmyres.”
