Clinical Research Practitioner calls on people to join the NIHR

A south London Clinical Research Practitioner is urging people to join the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to help “revolutionise” healthcare.

Natalie Long, who works for the Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London and is based at King’s College Hospital, said she is proud to work for an organisation dedicated to improving the health and wealth of the nation.

Natalie, who spoke to promote the NIHR’s ‘Your Path in Research’ campaign, said the UK is a world leader in clinical trials. She said:

“Without research everything would stand still. There would be no new treatments, medicines or new ways to diagnose diseases. We simply wouldn’t be able to treat people effectively without the evidence provided through clinical research. A recent example of this is the discovery that dexamethasone, a steroid used to reduce inflammation in the lungs, is an effective treatment in reducing the risk of death in seriously ill COVID-19 patients.

“The NIHR works effectively with health and social care providers as well as the life sciences industry to give patients access, as soon as possible, to new treatments and medicines. Our research delivers real benefits to our patients and communities.

“I like the ethos and culture of the NIHR. Research is a really interesting profession to work in and I’d encourage anyone to consider a career in the NIHR, as it is very exciting to work on studies that will revolutionise healthcare.”

Clinical Research Practitioners work alongside nurses and other medical professionals to deliver safe, ethical and high quality care to patients on research studies.

Natalie played her part in delivering the national COVID-19 RECOVERY trial at the Princess Royal University Hospital. You can read about her experience on CRN South London's website.

CRN South London’s Workforce Development Lead Nhlanhla Mguni said: “Many healthcare professionals say they find the experience of being involved in research studies positive and rewarding.

“As a network, we are proud to play our part in supporting vital research that improves patient care, and I’d also like to encourage others to consider a career within the NIHR.”

The NIHR is the largest funder of health and social care research in England, and the organisation provides the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive.

The ‘Your Path in Research’ campaign gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn more about research that can impact their day-to-day work, by highlighting a variety of ways they can take their first or next step in their research career.

More information about the ‘Your Path in Research’ campaign can be found on the NIHR’s website.