Wessex research staff receive nomination for national award

Research staff based in the Wessex region were nominated for The Sun’s 2021 Who Cares Wins Awards in the Best team category.

The annual awards organised by The Sun newspaper are set up to honour individuals across the NHS for their contribution to the service.

In their nomination submitted by Arlene Lee, Senior Research Nurse at CRN Wessex, research nurses in Wessex were commended for working tirelessly to deliver COVID-19 vaccine studies, as well as other COVID and non-COVID research throughout the pandemic.

Of their role in supporting the development of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Arlene wrote: “The research nurses in Wessex have worked non-stop on the highly publicised vaccine trial since April 2020. They have been busy working behind the scenes and I would love for them to receive some well-deserved recognition for their research into a successful vaccine, and all their hard work during the pandemic.

“Despite personal misfortunes and challenges, the nurses remained resilient and dedicated to offering patients and the public opportunities to take part in research.” 

Chantelle Moorbey, Senior Research Nurse for CRN Wessex, commented: “It was fantastic to have been nominated for this award and to read the kind words written by Arlene.

“Congratulations to my fellow research colleagues who I know have been working tirelessly over the 18 months to provide excellent care to research participants across the Wessex region. We may not have made the final list, but what we have all achieved is amazing and we should be very proud.

“Good luck to all those who have been shortlisted. I look forward to reading more about the winners and their achievements when the results are announced.”

The full shortlist of nominees for the Best team category has been shared by The Sun and the winners have been announced in a ceremony televised on Channel 4 earlier this month.