Can you help improve health care in Medway and Swale?

Do you have a respiratory (lung) condition? Do you smoke or have you ever smoked? Do you have an interest in taking part in the research at your local hospital? If so, our Research Team would like your help.

Last year, the Research Team were given funding from the NIHR Clinical Research Network, Kent, Surrey and Sussex as part of their Under-served Programme. The programme highlighted that in Medway and Swale, we have a large population of lung disease and smokers however; here at Medway Maritime Hospital we have low recruitment to studies into respiratory conditions.

The Research Team wanted to find out why few people came forward. They carried out a survey in the community and the feedback told us that few people realise that research is carried out at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Laura Adams, Patient and Public Engagement and Involvement Facilitator for Research and Innovation, said, ‘Research makes a big difference and you can be part of something that could change yours and other people’s lives.’

‘We want to do focus groups so we can create a research future that is decided with our community. Evidence shows that involving the people who the research is aimed at in the decisions or design leads to better outcomes. It is important that the research care we deliver is what the community wants and needs.’

At the focus group, you will hear from the Research Team sharing an overview of the project and the main outcomes from the survey and feedback they have collected. There will be questions to gather ideas, and an opportunity to discuss other aspects of research.

The session will take place at the Post Graduate Centre, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, ME7 5NY.

Please contact us at met-tr.members-medway@nhs.net if you would like to attend.

If you wish to hear more about the Under-served Programme, contact Laura Adams by email: lauraadams3@nhs.net or telephone: 01634 976750.