19 December 2022

More than 50,000 people have taken part in research trials at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2010 when records began with the Clinical Research Network.

To highlight the milestone, the Trust hosted their first ‘Celebration of Research’ event to mark over 1,000 studies hosted and delivered. The studies cover a wide range of clinical trials and involve collaboration with universities, NHS partners and the private sector.

At the event, held at the Principle Hotel in York, 200 invited guests heard from a variety of York based researchers and Professor Sir Martin Landray, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford and HDR UK's Science Priority Lead for Clinical Trials. They spoke about the global Covid-19 clinical trial called Recovery, which the Trust contributed to.

Attendees from outside the Trust included guests from the University of York, York St John University, Hull York Medical School, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and the Clinical Research Network.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Simon Morritt, said: “It was a fantastic day of learning and a perfect way to celebrate the research that underpins the work of all of our colleagues across the Trust.  Thank you to all involved.”

The research teams have been involved in some of the UK’s most important trials including a recent study to trial a new Covid-19 vaccine. The Trust was one of only nine locations across the UK taking part in the global trial and was a first for the city of York. In the trial researchers compared a placebo with a new plant based vaccine. Currently the team is leading the way in researching a new vaccine treatment to protect babies against a common and potentially dangerous winter Respiratory Syncytical Virus.  

A large scale study to find a screening tool for intestinal disease which may provide an early test for cancer has recruited a massive 5,428 patients so far. The study is designed and led by Professor James Turvill, Consultant Gastroenterologist, who researches the use of biomarkers to facilitate in the diagnosis and monitoring of gastrointestinal disease.

Lydia Harris, Head of Research and Development, said: “We are really proud of our research achievements, this is a real milestone for us and we would like to thank all the staff and patients who have been involved in delivering, supporting and facilitating our research over the years. Involvement in research opportunities offers improved health outcomes and changes the way we deliver healthcare.” 

To find out more about patient and public research opportunities at the Trust please email research.governance@york.nhs.uk follow the Trust’s research progress on Twitter @YorkResearch.