On 5th July members of the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre paid a visit to ASDA Abbey Park to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The National Health Service with shoppers.
The BRC’s Patient and Public involvement and Engagement team joined colleagues from the University Hospitals of Leicester Trust (UHL) to talk to shoppers about the impact research has had on patient care over the last 75 years, and how they can get involved in research here in Leicester.
For example, by signing up for Leicester’s BioResource and Leicester’s Research Registry.
The BioResource supports health research by recruiting and maintaining a resource of data and samples, recalling volunteers to participate in further research based on specific genetic data or health and lifestyle criteria as set by researchers. Leicester is one of only 18 Bioresources in England, with around 200,000 people on file and has an important role in recruiting new volunteers, with or without health conditions.
The Research Registry is a working database kept by UHL which allows members of the public to be kept informed of opportunities and help colleagues to shape studies and develop treatments for a wide range of conditions.
As one of many events celebrating 75 years of the NHS it was also a good time to reflect on the importance of patients and volunteers to the clinical trials and studies carried out by the BRC and our colleagues across UHL.
The BRC’s Patient and Public Involvement manager Ayodeji Ogunbuyide said; “Today is a wonderful opportunity for us to talk to members of the community, get them involved in research and celebrate a wonderful milestone for the NHS.
“Volunteers are vital in helping us to shape our research programs and make sure they meet the needs of the communities we are serving.”
Find out more about the PPIE team and how you can get involved here
For more information on Leicester’s BioResource click here