The team, one of seventeen entrants from across the UK, was praised by the judging panel for its “impressive and passionate” submission and ability to “go the extra mile to ensure research studies become successful”.
Royal Devon and Exeter consultant stroke physician Dr Martin James (pictured right collecting the award alongside fellow team members) said: “The Clinical Research Site of the Year award is a terrific endorsement of the skills of our stroke research team in successfully and safely running a wide range of stroke research studies at the hospital and in our linked community stroke units in Devon.
“The award emphasises one of the great strengths of the Clinical Research Network – building collaboration between researchers of all backgrounds to improve the treatment of stroke as quickly as possible. Research from studies supported by the Stroke Research Network is already improving the care and recovery of people with stroke, and contributing to the transformation of stroke services across the country since the launch of the National Stroke Strategy in 2007.”
The award, sponsored by the National Institute for Health Research and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, tested the knowledge and skills of research teams through an online questionnaire, written clinical research challenge, and presentation. The judging panel included the Director of the Joint Clinical Trials Office and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital London, the Head of Industry Operations at the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, the Medical Director for Emerging Markets for Pfizer and the Innovation Director for ABPI.
The Royal Devon and Exeter stroke research team has been involving stroke patients and their relatives in research since 2007. They have recruited over 300 participants to a variety of studies, which are increasing in number each year. The team is currently supporting 11 studies.
