More Participants Needed for Medical Research in Cambs and Peterborough

In a bid to enhance medical treatments for a variety of conditions, including both common ailments and rare diseases, three NHS trusts in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have initiated a recruitment campaign titled "Love Research." Dr. Vikki Hughes from the Royal Papworth Hospital emphasized the critical role of patient involvement in research, stating, “Research is our lifeline to innovation, and we cannot do research without the involvement of our patients.” The campaign aims to connect with more participants, which could lead to significant advancements in heart and lung treatments. Dr. Hughes, who heads research and development at the Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the collaborative effort with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. The research encompasses a wide array of health issues, including cancer, mental health, dementia, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Additionally, the initiative is focused on pioneering technologies that could transform NHS care, such as artificial intelligence and advanced imaging techniques. The discoveries made in Cambridgeshire have been instrumental in shaping healthcare practices both nationally and internationally. Dr. Ben Underwood, director of research at CPFT, underscored the urgency of supporting research, particularly in light of the alarming statistic that someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes.