Shirley Pringle, Research Nurse appointed to Cancer Sub Speciality Lead, Head and Neck

The Clinical Research Network; North West Coast (CRN NWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shirley Pringle as Cancer Sub-Specialty Lead: Head & Neck.  This is the first time that CRN NWC have appointed a Research Nurse into one of these senior leadership positions and reinforces the aims of CRN NWC to provide development opportunities for all members of our research community. We spoke to Shirley about her appointment.

Tell us about yourself?

"I have been a research nurse for the past 14 years and I am now Research Matron for the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre. I am responsible for the delivery of a large portfolio of CTIMP and non-CTIMP head and neck research.  I am Principal and Co-investigator for a number of studies and have excellent insight in all aspects of study delivery.

I have successfully improved research opportunities for patients with head and neck cancer through staff development, research promotion and clear integration of the research agenda to the multidisciplinary team meeting.  Via this mechanism, my team ensure that opportunities for participation in research are an integral part of patients’ treatment discussions."

Congratulations on your appointment to the Cancer Sub Speciality Lead, Head and Neck. Tell us about this role and why it’s important to you?

"I have successfully developed a research service within Liverpool Head and Neck Centre. The first clinical trial was hosted at the centre in 2008 and since then we have successfully expanded the portfolio with competitive recruitment metrics into interventional, observational and tissue procurement studies.

This appointment will allow me to support other trusts/sites to enhance their own research strategies – ultimately providing greater opportunities for patients. I am thrilled that I am the first nurse to be appointed to the role of sub-speciality lead especially as I am so passionate about head and neck cancer research and the promotion of the research nurse role.

I am excited to have the opportunity to utilise my significant experience to make a positive impact. I am very much looking forward to the challenge and meeting the wider NWC teams."

What does this mean for you and for the Network going forward?

"I am looking forward to becoming an established core member of the NIHR NWC Cancer Leadership group.

My focus will be facilitating communication links between the Principal Investigators and members of the North West Coast network. I will act in a leadership role to provide service monitoring, identification of population needs, gaps in research services, improvement of recruitment metrics and supporting remedial action where required."

Thank you Shirley, we are delighted to welcome you into the Network and wish you the best of luck in your new role.