Welcome to the Oncology Research department of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Our team’s core aim is to maintain and support a culture of best practice in the management and delivery of research activities within the Trust.
Taking part in high-quality research is one of the many ways that we are committed to providing the most beneficial care and treatment for our patients.
We are a research-active Trust and host research across a wide range of departments and specialities.
Why do we do research?
Research is at the heart of advances in treatment and care. The goal of research is often to find out if a new treatment is safe, and is acceptable to the people who are involved in it.
Research also aims to improve the quality of life for people living with chronic or terminal illnesses, ensuring that people can live the best quality life for the longest amount of time possible.
Without willing volunteers, research studies will not be able to take place, and these advances in care and treatment will become harder to discover.
At any stage during your cancer journey, you may be approached about taking part in research. You will be provided with a study specific patient information sheet and plenty of time to ask questions before you make a decision.
How can I take part in a clinical trial?
If you would like to take part in a clinical trial please speak to your clinician or contact one of the research team.
How do I find out about open trials?
Be part of Gateshead Research
To find out about current Gateshead Health NHS Trust research studies, visit the Be Part of Research website and search for Gateshead.
General questions to ask your research team
- What is the aim of the trial and how will it help people?
- Who is funding the trial?
- What treatment will I get if I do not take part in the trial?
- How long is the trial expected to last, and how long will I have to take part?
- How long will it be before the results of the trial are known?
- What will happen if I stop the trial treatment or leave the trial before it ends?
- What would happen if something went wrong? It’s rare for patients to be harmed by trial treatments, but you may want to ask about compensation if this were to happen.
Practical questions
- How much of my time will be needed?
- Will I need to take time off work?
- Will I be paid?
- Will the costs of my travel to take part in the trial be covered?
- If the trial is testing a new drug, will I have to collect it from the hospital, will it be sent to me by post, or will I get it through my doctor?
- Will I have to complete questionnaires or keep a diary?
- What are the possible side effects of my treatment?
- How could the treatments affect me physically and emotionally?
- Who can I contact if I have a problem?
- Will someone be available 24 hours a day?
- How do I find out the results of the trial?