Meet Bill - our Patient Research Ambassador
Date: 15 August 2018
Patients are at the heart of clinical research projects taking place in NHS hospitals up and down the country. That’s why we have volunteers like Bill, who helps the Trust as a Patient Research Ambassador by providing a patient-eye view on our clinical research projects and getting involved in their development.
Bill’s story:
“I started my working life in British Telecom as an apprentice technician and I was in the Territorial Army Royal Engineers when I was younger. I learnt how to drive large military vehicles, build bridges, fire guns, blow things up, and clear mine fields. Understanding how things work has always been a big part of my life and it’s what made being a Patient Research Ambassador so appealing to me.
“I’m 71 now and I’ve benefitted from some superb medical treatment thanks to previous researchers’ hard work and dedication. It was my Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant who got me involved in research at Medway; he knew my interest in technology and asked me if I would be willing to be contacted by the Research and Development department about an article he had written. I spoke to them and I was really interested in what the Trust was doing and got more and more involved.
“I thought it only fair to try and give a small bit back. As a Patient Research Ambassador I regularly attend the R&D meetings at the hospital. I talk to the staff involved and provide my thoughts on new projects that are being proposed and the progress of current projects, go to presentations organised by the R&D department to ask questions and help recruit patients to research projects at the hospital. I’ve also taken part in research studies directly.
“Thanks to medical research I’ve probably gained far more time and quality of life than I’d ever be able to give back doing a few hours a week or month of voluntary work. With good research projects the NHS can find ways to cure, prevent, or minimise the effect of illnesses and improve people’s lives. That’s something that I’m part of, and I’m very proud of that.
“If you think you might be interested in getting involved in research at Medway then give it a try. You are under no pressure to continue if you find out it’s not for you. You will meet some very nice NHS staff and academics who will make you feel very welcome. Your views will be valued and appreciated by some very clever people.”
If you would like to know more about our research or how to get involved in a trial, please contact Charles Davis on 01634 830000 ext. 3129 or charles.davis1@nhs.net
- Summary:
Patients are at the heart of clinical research projects taking place in NHS hospitals up and down the country. That’s why we have volunteers like Bill, who helps the Trust as a Patient Research Ambassador.