@ResearchWales Issue 3

@ResearchWales Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

The magazine to showcase health and social care research in Wales

Page 18

Health impact of mass unemployment events “Preparedness for mass unemployment events is essential and of global relevance�

Page 16

Page 20

Post-traumatic stress disorder

The Visiting Mum scheme

Exploring two new treatments for post-

Evalutation of flagship project faciliting

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

prison visits for the children of incarcerated mothers

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

1

PAG E 1 2

Contents

Safe-Tea

PAG E 1 6

PAGE 2 0

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Visiting Mum scheme

PAG E 1 8

Mass unemployment events PAG E 0 3

PAGE 1 8

Foreword

Mass unemployment events

Professor Jon Bisson, Director of Health and

Public Health Wales report

Care Research Wales

PAG E 0 4

News Research news from across Wales

PAG E 1 2

Safe-Tea

PAGE 2 0

The Visiting Mum scheme Evaluation of flagship project

PAGE 2 2

Preventing hot drink scalds in young children

Treatment options for bowel cancer patients

PAG E 1 4

PAGE 2 4

Health and Care Research Wales infrastructure map

Velindre Cancer Centre director reflects after

PAG E 1 5

PAGE 2 6

NIHR Dissemination Centre

Calendar

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee nearly a decade

Putting high quality research at the heart of decision making

PAG E 1 6

Post-traumatic stress disorder Investigating new treatments

2

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Foreword to the third edition of W elcome @ResearchWales. Much has happened

in the strategy. This clearly signals Welsh

Care Research Wales community. I hope you

Government’s commitment to research and

enjoy reading this edition and look forward

since the last edition, including the

development and recognition of its critical

to continuing to work together to undertake

completion of a robust external review

role in delivering the changes required to

excellent health and social care research

process that resulted in renewal of funding

build a Wales that is prosperous and secure,

that has a positive impact on the health,

for the Health and Care Research Wales

healthy and active, ambitious and learning,

wellbeing and prosperity of the people in

Centres, Units, Infrastructure Support

and united and connected. Indeed, drawing

Wales.

Groups and Clinical Trials Units until the

on Wales’ assets to develop a population

end of March 2020. This is testament to the

based approach to health and care research

progress made by these key elements of

through HealthWise Wales is specifically

Health and Care Research Wales and will

identified as an action.

Professor Jon Bisson Director, Health and Care Research Wales

allow them to further develop and grow.

There are key messages within the strategy The recent publication of Prosperity for All,

that should shape our thinking, planning and

the Welsh Government’s national strategy,

activity. These include a shift in approach

provides a clear direction for the next few

from treatment to prevention, placing

years and an opportunity to create strong

emphasis equally on staying fit and well

foundations for the future. Prosperity for

and treating illness, further integration of

All is closely aligned to The Wellbeing of

health and social care, moving from hospitals

Future Generations Act, with integration,

to communities, and tackling inequalities

collaboration, prevention, involvement and

- something we focussed on at our recent

long term being identified as the five key

successful conference.

ways of working.

As ever, @ResearchWales provides a range I have been delighted to see prominent

of items that demonstrate the breadth of

inclusion of research and development

activity and success within the Health and

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

3

WA LES C ANCER R ES EARCH CENT R E

News

Video is making a difference for patients Earlier this year, the Wales Cancer Research Centre launched a video showcasing their work.

Jodie Bond, communications and engagement officer at the Wales Cancer Research Centre, explains: “Over the summer,

across cancer research disciplines to form a snapshot of the variety of amazing work being done across Wales.

“Our mission is to bring researchers working to beat cancer together to improve collaborative working. We hope that this video gives an insight into the wealth of research expertise that we are drawing together.”

The Welsh Government’s Genomics for Precision Medicine Strategy sets out a vision for developments in medical genetics and public health, and the intention to link genetics and genomics services with high quality research.

It will help to build new strategic Photo credit: Peter Artymiuk

partnerships – through initiatives such as the 100,000 genomes project – and develop the

WA LES GENE PAR K

New strategy for genetics and genomics A new strategy to create a sustainable, competitive environment for genetics and genomics to improve health and healthcare provision for the people of Wales has been published.

4

we captured footage of staff working

NHS Wales workforce to effectively deliver genomic and precision medicine.

The strategy was developed by a genomics taskforce, made up of leading experts in Wales and representatives of key organisations such as the Wales Gene Park, the All Wales Medical Genetics Service, Public Health Wales, NHS Wales, Industry, Welsh Government and higher education institutions across Wales.

The full strategy can be found here.

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

offering this type of therapy in Wales.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative, genetic condition, characterised by the inheritance of a faulty gene - the huntingtin gene - with motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms developing and worsening over time. The first instance of motor symptoms typically occur between the ages of 30-50, with some

WA LES S C HO O L FO R S O CIA L C A RE RE SE A RC H

rare cases of early onset.

School’s work helping empower people with dementia

“Although there is no cure for the disease,

The Wales School for Social Care Research

(ASOs), which is administered by an injection

(WSSCR) has been utilising its links with

into the spinal canal, in patients showing

care providers and the community to help

early onset symptoms of the disease.

empower people with dementia.

The School has been working closely with the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project by inviting representatives to attend the events run by the school to ensure that future care takes into consideration the views of the people it affects.

trial sponsors Ionis Pharmaceuticals (partnered with Roche), developed the trial to evaluate the safety of a huntingtin lowering compound, or anti-sense oligonucleotides

Clinical trial is the first of its kind The BRAIN Unit has seen the completion of an early phase, clinical trial in Huntington’s disease.

Rebecca Cousins (pictured above),

As a result, people living with the condition have been able to contribute to Welsh Government’s draft strategy, ‘Together for a Dementia Friendly Wales’ 2017-2022.

HD research nurse at the Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, explains:

“The therapy, which has been used in other areas of genetic research, specifically targets the formation of the huntingtin gene and measures the amount of abnormal huntingtin protein present in the body.

“This is the first time the ASO drug has been given to patients with the disease, and based on the results collected so far from 46 participants, the study was approved for an extension in June 2017.”

“This is part of a joint collaboration between

One of the links made by the school is with the Me, Myself and I Club; a community

Cardiff University and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; the only site to be

organisation in Briton Ferry in Neath Port Talbot run by Anita Tomaszewski, who set up the club in 2013.

The club focuses on bringing about a sense of normality for people living with dementia

CEN TR E FO R T R IAL S R ES EARCH

care for sensory processing difficulties, and is

SenITA study

provided by trained occupational therapists

and carers in their day-to-day life through a combination of non-stigmatising peer and

A new trial has been launched to assess the

volunteer support.

clinical and cost-effectiveness of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) for children with

In March the club hosted dementia groups

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

from across Wales to discuss and feed into The SenITA trial, which takes place at the

consultation around the draft strategy.

Centre for Trials Research, is a response to “The connection with others is making sure

a call for further research. The therapy is

people with dementia have a voice and they

already being used within the NHS, however

can be heard - but it is not tokenistic,” said

previous studies are limited and have

Anita.

produced inconclusive results.

The consultation closed in April and is

The therapy is an alternative to the usual

a type of face-to-face therapy or treatment, (OT).

It uses play-based sensory-motor activities to influence the way the child responds to sensation, reducing distress and improving concentration and interaction with others.

The main trial is now recruiting participants and will be open until the end of 2018. In total, the aim is to recruit 216 children from across south Wales and England.

You can follow the progress of the study on Twitter by following @SenITA_Study

currently being reviewed. The outcome will be published on the School’s website (www. walessscr.org/en/) in due course.

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

5

WALES KI D NE Y RE SE ARCH U N IT

Wales Kidney Research Unit funds new fellowship A new research fellowship acknowledging the work of former First Minister for Wales Rhodri Morgan has been jointly funded by the Wales Kidney Research Unit, Kidney Wales and the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University.

The Rhodri Morgan Life Ethics Fellowship recognises the work done by Mr Morgan

F U N D IN G

to help establish an ‘opt out’ organ donor

Public Health Research

system for Wales and is designed to offer researchers an opportunity to investigate ethics involving paediatric organ donation, transplantation and dialysis.

Mr Morgan’s widow, Julie Morgan AM, was consulted on the subject of the fellowship and will be part of an appointment panel.

Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt sponsored the launch of the fellowship on Wednesday 18 October at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff.

She said: “This fellowship is a wonderful way to remember Rhodri. During his time as First Minister, Rhodri kick started the debate on the new legislation on organ donation which saw Wales become the first country in the UK to introduce deemed consent – something he was very proud of.”

The fellowship is open to anyone living or working in Wales.

programmes/phr/09300602/) is assessing the immediate and longer term health benefits resulting from a major housing regeneration programme in Carmarthenshire.

The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR)

The LANTERNS project (https://www.

Programme investigates some of the UK’s

journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/phr/phr03110/#/

most important public health questions to

abstract) suggests that local authorities can

improve the health of the public and reduce

safely reduce street lighting at night, saving

inequalities in health. PHR-funded research

energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.

generates evidence to inform the delivery of non-NHS interventions, providing new

“We encourage researchers to collaborate

knowledge on their benefits, costs and

and engage with members of the public and

acceptability. The programme aids decision-

evidence-users. This brings a number of

makers in local government, primary care

benefits to research and can help to make it

organisations and other local public services,

more impactful. These collaborations include

relevant national agencies, such as NICE,

a range of partners such as local authorities,

public health practitioners and the public.

private sector, charities and other third sector organisations.

Gemma House, senior research manager from the NIHR PHR programme, explains:

“The PHR programme is funded by the NIHR,

“Our scope is multi-disciplinary and broad,

with contributions from Health and Care

covering a wide range of interventions

Research Wales and the Health and Social

that improve public health including, the

Care Welsh Government, the Chief Scientists

CHALICE study (https://www.journalslibrary.

Office in Scotland, and the Public Health

nihr.ac.uk/programmes/phr/09300702/#/),

Agency in Northern Ireland. In turn this

based in Wales, which found that alcohol-

enables us to fund institutions in Wales to

related harm was associated with the

conduct public health research.“

availability of alcohol. Another study (https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/

Find out more about the PHR Programme at www.nihr.ac.uk/phr

Health and Care Research Wales Infrastructure 2015 - 17 This data is taken from our 2016/17 annual report which demonstrates the achievements of Health and Care Research Wales in the past year. You can download the report here

6

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

H EALT H W IS E WAL ES PRIME C E NT RE WA L E S

Research shows positive impact of CT scanning on smoking cessation

control group.

Research led by an expert at PRIME Centre

Dr Brain said: “Our trial shows that CT lung

Wales has concluded that smokers who

cancer screening offers a teachable moment

undergo a CT scan of their lungs are more

for smoking cessation among high-risk

likely to quit than those who don’t.

groups in the UK. We now need to find

Dr Kate Brain, lead for screening, prevention and diagnosis in primary care at PRIME Centre Wales and Wales Cancer Research Centre, led the trial.

the best ways of integrating lung cancer Lung cancer is one of the most common and

screening with stop-smoking support, so

serious types of cancer and has the highest

that services are designed to deliver the

mortality of all cancers in the UK.

maximum health benefits for all.”

The UK Lung Cancer Screening (UKLS) pilot

The UKLS pilot trial was carried out in

trial was developed to investigate the effect

collaboration with the University of

of CT screening on smokers, along with the

Liverpool, King’s College and Queen

offer of smoking cessation support.

Mary University and is the first to assess the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and

More than 4,000 smokers aged 50-75 were

behavioural impact of lung cancer screening,

randomly allocated either to a group that

using a single low-dose CT screen on a high-

underwent the screening, or to a control

risk population in the UK.

group which did not.

The trial was funded by the National The results showed that of the smokers

Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health

who took part in the screening, 10% had

Technology Assessment programme.

successfully quit after two weeks, and 15% had quit at two years – both higher than the

Shaping the health and wellbeing of future generations HealthWise Wales, a flagship study aiming to better understand the health and wellbeing of the nation, and build a picture of future health needs, now has over 13,000 participants in Wales.

57-year old Sue Cowburn worked for 14 years as a sister and nurse tutor at Guy’s Hospital in London. During her time as a nurse, Sue saw first-hand how research initiatives such as HealthWise Wales could benefit the NHS. Sue explains: “My background is in renal care, which is something that’s grown close to my heart over the years. I would love people to realise the importance of this area of their health as kidney problems can be the result of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“I can see how the research that HealthWise Wales is doing will help the NHS to find new treatments and plan for the future. It’s important that as many people as possible sign up to the initiative.”

The HealthWise Wales team are looking for people of different ages and backgrounds from all over Wales to share their experiences to help improve treatments and prevention methods for future generations.

Find out how you can get involved here: www.healthwisewales.gov.wales Tel: 0800 9 172 172 08:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday Email: healthwisewales@cardiff.ac.uk

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

7

Cwm Taf is one of 40 centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland taking part in the LEAVO study, a multicentre trial comparing Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea) and Bevacizumab (Avastin) for macular oedema in patients with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO).

Clinical trials in neovasular age related macular degeneration (nvAMD) have

C WM TA F UNI V E RSI T Y H EA LT H B OA RD

Study results could save NHS millions

demonstrated that Bevacizumab is as effective and a safe alternative to Ranibizumab and can be delivered at a fraction of the cost. It is estimated that the NHS cost saving of switching from Ranibizumab to Bevacizumab would be approximately £85million per year.

Cwm Taf University Health Board has successfully recruited patients to a large, multi-centre clinical trial which is comparing the effectiveness and cost of drugs regularly prescribed to treat an eye condition common in older people.

The aim is to determine the safest and most clinically effective agent that can be delivered and which is affordable for long term NHS use.

“We will continue to support and increase our research activity by undertaking and participating in more clinical research” LEAVO Principal Investigator and consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Mr Aji Raghu Ram, said: “I have been lucky to have a very well coordinated research team at Cwm Taf University Health Board which has made it possible to be part of this national study.

“It is a truly creative collaborative effort of several departments including the R&D department, Medical Illustration, Optometry, Pharmacy, Nursing, IT and Medical Records.

“The Directorate has been very supportive of this study and with future support from the Cwm Taf R&D team we will continue to support and increase our research activity by undertaking and participating in more clinical research.”

SAIL DATA BA NK

Can spending time in parks, woodlands and beaches improve our mental health?

One in four people experience a mental health condition at some time in their lives, costing the UK economy over £100 billion a year.

A new study involving SAIL Databank and Swansea University will investigate whether spending time in green and blue spaces, such as parks and beaches, can have a positive impact on our long-term wellbeing

Dr Sarah Rodgers, Farr Institute investigator

Professor David Ford, co-director of SAIL, said: “I

and mental health.

and associate professor at Swansea

am delighted that we will be working with Sarah

University Medical School, is leading the

and the team on this project. SAIL Databank

Researchers will gather health and

team. She said: “The 24,000 people who

provides safe and secure access to large scale

environment data and link them in the SAIL

annually respond to the National Survey for

datasets, enabling researchers to produce robust

(Secure Anonymised Information Linkage)

Wales tell us how often they visit green or

evidence to support health and care research. A

Databank.

blue spaces, where they went, what they

study of this size is of international importance

did, and report on their wellbeing. We will

and is an illustration of how Wales is at the

The research team will look at data for 1.7

test whether people who more frequently

forefront of health informatics research.”

million people in Wales to explore how

visit green and blue spaces report better

people change their use of health services,

wellbeing. We will be able to explore, for

Experts from Swansea University, the University

such as their GP, as their local environment

example, if people report better wellbeing in

of Exeter, Cardiff University and the Barcelona

changes. And because the effects of green

greener areas because they visit green and

Institute for Global Health will collaborate on the

and blue spaces take time to change health,

blue spaces more often and engage in more

study, which is being funded by the NIHR’s Public

the team will use historical data with

physical activity compared to those living in

Health Research programme.

statistical methods to assess the effects over

less green areas.”

the past decade.

8

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Health and Care Research Wales conference: Inequalities in Health and Social Care October saw members of the Health and Care Research Wales infrastructure and key stakeholders gather at the SSE SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff for the Health and Care Research Wales annual conference 2017.

The conference, which was chaired by

Health and Care Research Wales director,

Baroness Ilora Finlay, focused on inequalities

Professor Jon Bisson, gave closing remarks

in health and social care and featured several

and announced the winners of the four

influential addresses from experts across the

awards, which attracted dozens of high

research community.

quality entries.

• Photography competition - ‘Behind the Square Window’ by Moira Morgan from the Diabetes Research Unit Cymru (DRU)

More than 300 people attended the event, and heard from Vaughan Gething, Cabinet

Speaking about the event, Professor Bisson

Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport,

said: “Thank you to everyone who joined

who spoke about the importance of research

me at the Health and Care Research Wales

in Wales.

conference 2017 and helped to make sure it was a success.

“It was great to see the research community come together once again and I hope the opportunity to hear about inequalities in health and social care helps us reflect on the contribution we can all make to tackle this important issue in Wales and beyond.”

Presentations and photographs from The winners were: • The Best Interactive Stand Award - BRAIN

the day can be found here: www. healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/ conference-2017/

Unit • The Public Involvement Achievement Award - CASCADE for its CASCADE Voices Throughout the day, delegates had the

project.

opportunity to network and participate in a range of engaging workshops. Exhibitors at

• The Impact Award - ‘When should I

the event included several of the Welsh

worry?’ information booklet from Dr Nick

health boards and organisations from within

Francis of PRIME Centre Wales

the infrastructure.

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

9

NORTH WA L E S O RGA N IS ATIO N F O R RAN DOM I SE D T RI A L S IN H EA LT H

GREAT trial Dementia sufferers benefit from goaloriented therapy, according to a major trial supported by the North Wales Organisation

D IA B ET ES R ES EARCH U NIT CY M R U

in Early-stage Alzheimer’s and Related

Early screening halves blindness from diabetes in Wales

Dementias: Multi-centre Single-blind

New research, conducted by Diabetes

for Randomised Trials in Health (NWORTH).

The Goal-oriented Cognitive Rehabilitation

Randomised Controlled Trial (GREAT), led

by University of Exeter, involved setting up individual therapy goals for people with dementia and developing strategies to

blind or living with sight loss as a result introduction of a new national diabetic

Researchers found that those who received the therapy showed significant improvement in the areas they had identified.

in 2012, Brian Hamilton, 66, lost all confidence as his memory declined, and he rarely left the house. He worked with a therapist to develop strategies to regain his independence, such as a sticker by the front door to remind him to lock up and take his phone and wallet when he leaves the house.

Brian is still using the techniques a year later and is able to get out of the house by himself and complete everyday activities and tasks.

Professor Linda Clare, who led the research, said: “The next step is to quantify benefits such as whether this approach delays the need for people to go into care homes by supporting them to live independently for longer. This could have important financial benefits for social care.

(blindness) by almost half has been achieved.

“Clearly, early detection and improved treatment for sight threatening diabetic retinopathy has been an essential element in this success, reaffirming the need for all persons with diabetes - from the age of 12 years onwards - to have regular screening,” said Professor David Owens, Diabetes

retinopathy screening programme in 2003.

Research Unit Cymru.

By 2007 the programme had been rolled out

The research is published in the British

across Wales, offering annual screening to

After his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

all those with diabetes from the age of 12 onwards.

The research showed there were 339 fewer new certifications for all levels of sight

Medical Journal and was funded by Health and Care Research Wales.

Link to full study: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/ cgi/content/full/bmjopen-2016-015024?ijke y=VIvPck0mFpJkJBS&keytype=ref

loss from any cause combined in 2014-15, compared with 2007-08. It calculated that the sight of 22 people has been saved. The results are despite 52,229 (40%) more people being diagnosed with diabetes in Wales during the research period.

From Bench to Bedside Find out more about the Diabetes Research

“The research shows us that earlier diagnosis

Unit Cymru in their latest video: From

of diabetic retinopathy and sight-threatening

Bench to Bedside - The impact collaborative

diabetic retinopathy since the introduction

research is having on people’s lives.

of screening has played a significant role, alongside other measures, such as improved diabetes management with timely onward referral and newer treatments,” said Rebecca Evans, Minister for Social Services and Public Health.

“We must also assess whether the therapy can be integrated into how practitioners routinely work, so that more people can have access and are supported to live better lives

10

number of people in Wales diagnosed as of diabetes has almost halved since the

achieve them.

with dementia.”

Research Unit Cymru, has shown that the

of new certifications for severe sight loss

“It is very rewarding indeed to see, after many years of dedicated research to determine the best method of screening for the presence of diabetic eye disease, that the main objective of reducing the number

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

CAR DIFF AND VAL E U N I V E RSI TY H EALT H BOAR D H E A LTH A ND C A RE RE S EA RCH WA LES

Life changing research celebrated at awards

Awareness of Fetal movements and Focussing Interventions Reduce fetal Mortality (AFFIRM) study, which looked at

The South Wales Argus Health and Care Awards in October, at Chepstow Racecourse, celebrated the health and care sector through 15 award categories.

whether rates of stillbirth may be reduced by introducing an interventional package of

Dr Matt Wise, consultant in critical care at

care.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and specialty lead for critical care research,

The Research Impact Award, sponsored

by Health and Care Research Wales, was claimed by former community midwife Emma Mills, the technical research lead for midwifery across the Nevill Hall Hospital, Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr and the Royal Gwent Hospital.

She said: “I feel lucky because the things I’m passionate about are midwifery and research and this job combines both of them.

“One of the most recent studies is the

Consultant commended for contribution to critical care research

“Changes made to protocol during the study

has been awarded the National Institute for

led to stillbirth rates dropping by between

Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research

25% and 50% in the first year compared to

Network’s Established Clinician award, in

previous years.

partnership with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM).

“I love my work and am privileged to work for a health board that is so supportive” “If we make one change that makes it better for people then it makes everything so worthwhile.”

Three other finalists were in the running for the award: • Dr Kate Brain from the PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine • Professor Keir Lewis and Rachel Gemine from the Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli • Dr Louise Roberts from Cardiff University

The award identifies research active consultants, specialty and associate doctors and trainees that are demonstrating clinical leadership, excellence and innovation in delivering research.

NIHR Clinical Research Network Specialty Cluster Lead, Professor Stephen Smye, said: “Critical care is a challenging environment for clinical research but the applicants to the joint FICM/NIHR CRN Research Awards described numerous impressive examples of excellent clinical research leadership, with impact extending beyond critical care to the wider clinical research community and NHS. “The winning applications confirmed that the critical care research community in the UK is vibrant, ambitious and led by outstanding clinical researchers who are determined to increase patient access to high quality research.”

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

11

N AT IO N AL CENT R E FO R P O P U L AT IO N H EALT H AND W EL L BEING RE SE ARCH

“Safe-Tea”: Preventing hot drink scalds in young children Around 40,000 children attend A&E in England and Wales every year with a burn or scald injury, despite growing evidence that most burns are preventable.

Children living in socially and economically disadvantaged areas are at higher than average risk of sustaining a life-changing burn injury. Where parents lack knowledge of burns first aid, the severity of burns is compounded.

In August 2016 the Children’s Burns Research Centre at Cardiff University launched ‘Safe-Tea’, an intervention campaign targeting parents of pre-school children living in the most deprived areas of Cardiff.

As part of the campaign, researchers collaborated with Flying Start in Cardiff, a Welsh Government funded organisation that provides support for parents and children in the formative years of development.

Dr Verity Bennett, research associate for the Children’s Burns Research Centre, based at Cardiff University, explains: “Following public involvement, expert clinical advice and input from Flying Start staff, we developed various multi-media materials. These included child ‘reach-chart’ posters, fridge-magnets, flyers, and short videos for social media.

“Flying Start staff were trained on hot drink scald epidemiology, prevention and first aid.

These staff delivered the ‘Safe-Tea’ messages

12

at 6-month health visits, at playgroups and childcare settings.”

The most significant findings of the intervention sessions Changes in parents’ knowledge of hot drink danger and burns first aid were measured using a parent questionnaire before and after the intervention. Acceptability and practicality of the intervention for parents and Flying Start staff were investigated via focus group discussions.

After the intervention, parents knew more about the risks and dangers of hot drink scalds and considerably more about first aid for burns. They came away with more confidence to correct the behaviours of others and relay the first aid messages to family in the UK and beyond. Flying Start staff and parents found the intervention acceptable and practical on the whole and gave useful feedback on improvements that would further enhance the intervention.

Next steps The results from this feasibility study will now feed into the design of a nationwide research project to test the effectiveness of Safe-Tea in reducing the incidence and severity of hot drink scalds, with a view to providing an evidence based resource for community practitioners. The project team are currently applying for funding to do this.

Work is already underway to test whether the intervention delivery model and materials can be applied across the country, working with children’s centres in East London, and with community and public health professionals in Bristol. The team are also working with a production company to design a mass media prevention campaign.

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Parent quotes “Now I am drinking mostly in the kitchen, at the kitchen table, using the work surfaces, and at the back near the wall.”

“When I got home, that’s what was stuck in my head and I said to my partner, ‘did you know it takes this long for a cup of tea to cool down?”

“I act differently ... I’ve managed to tell other people around the house to check their hot drinks.”

The campaign was designed by the Children’s Burns Research Centre, and funded by the Scar Free Foundation, Health and Care Research Wales, and Cardiff University’s City Region Exchange.

A N EU R IN BEVAN U NIVER S IT Y H EA LT H BOAR D

substantive posts in research, as they have

Developing a research nurse bank

worked on the bank and are ideally placed

Professor Sue Bale, R&D Director at Aneurin

The scheme is mainly funded by commercial

Bevan University Health Board, explains

trials income, with some use of Health and

how the health board has developed a

Care Research Wales Activity Based Funding.

sustainable solution to supporting clinical

Other Welsh NHS organisations have

trials.

followed our progress and we have shared

to apply.

our experiences with Hywel Dda and Betsi “As a team, we explored potential solutions

Cadwaladr University Health Boards. They

to resolve our research nurse staffing

have recognised this as valuable and are

dilemma. The idea emerged to develop a

developing their own versions to replicate

workforce of research nurses through the

this initiative.

Staff Bank. This potential solution seemed to have the advantage of reducing the financial

We hope that our experiences of establishing

risk of employing permanent research

a research nurse bank will provide patients

nurses while increasing capacity. However,

with access to more high quality research

due to the specialist nature of the work of

studies, and make a positive contribution to

research nurses, ensuring patients were

research in Wales.”

safely managed was a key consideration. We needed to ensure nurses deployed through the Nurse Bank were adequately trained in the research legislative framework and competent to care for patients participating in clinical trials.

Welsh Government key indicators to encourage and increase research in Wales include the requirement to: •

commercial Clinical Research

This has included working with the Staff

Portfolio projects open and recruiting

Bank to develop an interviewing schedule, a bespoke training package, an induction programme, and competency assessment

by 10%* •

are able to flex up or flex down the number

Clinical Research Portfolio trials by 10%* •

solution to supporting clinical trials.

Nurses have the opportunity to develop their skills in research. It’s extremely positive that we now have a steady flow of research

Increase the number of commercial clinical research trials open and

of research nurse bank shifts booked, providing a flexible, sustainable and low risk

Increase the number of participants recruited into non-commercial

and sign off.

The initiative began in autumn 2015 and we

Increase the number of non-

recruiting by 5%* •

Increase the number of participants recruited each year into commercial trials by 5%

*within the financial year

bank nurses that are available to take up

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

13

Health and Care Research Wales infrastructure map Our infrastructure supports and increases capacity in research and development. For more information, visit www.healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/research-infrastructure-map/

14

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

“It’s about disseminating reliable research but serving the needs of people in the health service” Dr Davidson says that research from Wales is uniquely placed to make a valuable contribution to the wider NHS. He cites the Cardiff University-led CREAM study into the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments for eczema in children as an example of one of the latest pieces of Welsh research to be picked up by the

FE AT U R ED

Dissemination Centre. It featured in this

Putting high quality research at the heart of decision making

highlight www.dc.nihr.ac.uk/highlights/ Childhood-eczema Dr Davidson says: “Wales has strong research units and the results that come out of Welsh units are often highly relevant to the NHS at large. There are good teams doing good work. Wales has significant public health challenges so if something is tested and evaluated in Wales, the result is likely to be relevant to the rest of the UK. “If they have results that are not just high quality but also highly relevant to the NHS generally, then hopefully we can help them disseminate those results.”

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Dissemination Centre’s primary aim is to place good research evidence at the heart of decision making in the NHS, public health and social care.

The NIHR Dissemination Centre is currently appealing for expert commentators to assist with their summaries. For more information visit their website or email The team critically appraise the latest

disseminationcentre@nihr.ac.uk.

health research from both within the NIHR and other research organisations to identify the most reliable, relevant and significant findings. These findings are then disseminated as actionable, accessible,

The centre, which receives a funding

and trustworthy information summaries as

contribution from Health and Care Research

Signals, Highlights and Themed Reviews.

Wales, helps clinicians, commissioners and patients to make evidence-based decisions

Dissemination Centre Director Dr Peter

about which treatments and practices are

Davidson says: “Our simple mission

most effective and provide the best use of

statement is to get evidence to people who

resources.

use, manage or deliver care in the NHS. Taking that broadly, it’s around helping

Based at the University of Southampton,

anyone who can make use of research

the centre is made up of a small team of

results, find them and understand them.

health specialists, writers and experts on engagement.

Dr Peter Davidson, Director NIHR Dissemination Centre

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

15

FE AT U RED

Post-traumatic stress disorder Last year, the National Centre for Mental Health launched two new projects aiming to evaluate new treatments for people experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

involves weekly meetings with therapists.

RAPID - Guided self-help for PTSD

“The RAPID study is looking to compare the

What is traumafocused online guided self help?

Before the programme, a trained therapist shows participants the programme and asks them about their symptoms.

But, with a shortage of trained therapists in the NHS, waiting times can be long.

To make treatment quicker and easier,

Participants follow the programme online in their own time. There are eight steps, which teach more about PTSD, as well as interactive activities to complete.

we’ve developed an online guided self-help programme. Based on trauma-focused therapy, the programme combines some online sessions at home with regular guidance meetings with a therapist.

The programme lasts eight weeks and, during that time, the therapist makes fortnightly contact with participants to tackle any problems and discuss progress.

online programme with face-to-face therapy Dr Catrin Lewis, research associate at the

to find out whether it’s equally effective at

National Centre for Mental Health, talks

helping people with PTSD.

to us about a study which compares two treatments for PTSD. One is conducted face-

“We’re aiming to recruit 200 people with

to-face with a therapist (trauma-focused

PTSD following a single traumatic event. Half

cognitive behaviourial therapy) and the other

will be allocated to trauma-focused cognitive

is carried out online with some support from

behavioural therapy, the other half to the

a therapist (trauma-focused online guided

new trauma-focused online guided self-help.

self help).

“If it proves to be an effective treatment, it

The RAPID study has received £1.25million

”Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural

could significantly shorten waiting times for

in funding from the NIHR Health Technology

therapy is a recommended talking therapy

PTSD treatment in the NHS.”

Assessment programme.

within the NHS for those with PTSD and

16

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

3MDR: Modular motion-assisted memory

distressing symptoms after receiving

“We’ll be recruiting 42 British veterans with

desensitisation and reconsolidation

treatment.

military-related PTSD and past experience of

Kali Barawi, research assistant at the National

“We’re looking to find out whether 3MDR

experienced psychological trauma therapists

Centre for Mental Health, tells us about

therapy is effective for veterans who have

and take place at the University Hospital of

a new talking therapy, which is hoped

not responded to, or are unable to engage

Wales.

will reduce symptoms of PTSD in military

with, current PTSD treatments.

other talking therapies. Sessions will be led by

veterans.

“If it’s shown to reduce PTSD symptoms, 3MDR “The therapy has been used for the first time

has the potential to become a first line therapy

“We know that very few people with mental

in the UK, having previously been tested in a

for veterans around the world.”

health problems seek professional help, and

single study for a small number of veterans

even those that do continue to experience

in the Netherlands.

3MDR is funded by the Forces in Mind Trust.

What is 3MDR? 3MDR is a new talking therapy, using virtual reality techniques.

Participants pre-select a small number of pictures, a piece of music which reminds them of traumatic experiences during their military career, and another piece of music unrelated to their trauma.

Trauma therapists guide participants through all therapy sessions.

Participants walk on a treadmill, surrounded by a large video screen with speakers. Their chosen pictures will appear on screen and music will be played. They walk towards each image and are asked to describe their memories and feelings.

At the end of the treadmill phase, the therapist finishes the session with a private, confidential conversation.

Participants are asked about their immediate experiences and thoughts.

3MDR therapy is delivered weekly over nine weeks.

“I’ve been on the treadmill and was quick to compare the potential of 3MDR to my own CBT treatment – thirty eight, two hour sessions over about two years.

“Reaching the traumatic event is a journey. 3MDR replicates that, along with the reality of images and music. It’s powerful and I think it will be very effective, but it is vital that a trained therapist closely supports patients throughout sessions. That is just what happens … It’s a potential life saver.”

Lieutentant Colonel (retd) John Skipper, 3MDR Patient representative

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

17

F E AT URED

Report reveals health impact of mass unemployment events

Research highlighted in a new report shows that workers who lose their jobs during large scale layoffs can experience double the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke in the following twelve months.

health when they do happen. This report

preparing for mass unemployment events

highlights the importance of ensuring health

which focuses especially on addressing their

and wellbeing is at the core of preventative

impact on the health of individuals, families

and responsive action.”

and communities.

The report draws upon research from a wide range of sources and highlights events such as large scale redundancies at sites across the world. It also examines the effect of job losses in Wales in the coal mining, aluminium and steel-making industries and features

Mass Unemployment Events (MUEs) –

“Preparedness for mass unemployment events is essential and of global relevance”

insights from a range of experts.

Prevention and Response from a Public Health Perspective – has been compiled

by Public Health Wales and concludes that detrimental impacts on health can last for decades, with family members sometimes affected almost as much as those facing redundancy.

The hard-hitting report also shows that the workers are at greater risk of alcohol-related disease and suicide in the year after they have been made unemployed.

Working with experts across the world, Public Health Wales has led new work on

18

public health approaches to preventing and

The report also provides an eight-step Report author Dr Alisha Davies, head of

framework to support public, voluntary and

research and development at Public Health

private sectors with prevention, planning for

Wales, said: “Employment and health are

and reaction to mass unemployment events.

interlinked - we know that good quality, secure employment is good for health.

The framework identifies key priorities where

Unfortunately large scale redundancies do

public health approaches can help with early

occur and the impact can be devastating

identification of areas at risk and ensuring

for those directly employed, and extends to

responses address the health and wellbeing

families and communities.

needs of all those affected including families, the wider community and specific vulnerable

“Internationally, these events are not

groups, such as the existing long term

uncommon, but there is much we can do

unemployed.

to prevent, prepare and limit the impact on

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Examples of key areas outlined in the report include: Incorporate mapping of strategic employers in an area, alongside national and global industrial trends, into the local or national public health planning process to help identify areas at risk of mass unemployment events.

Make use of public health tools including Health Impact Assessments, and the Health Assets Reporting Tool to understand the economic, social and health impact of mass unemployment events and the capacity of communities to absorb shocks.

Ensure systematic representation of health and community partners on the strategic response group to improve understanding of the acute and longer term health risks to communities, and help mobilise resources in health and the community to support.

You can read the report in this link: http://

Professor Sir Mansel Aylward, former

www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/ documents/888/Watermarked%20 PHW%20Mass%20 Unemployment%20Report%20 E(15).pdf

chair of Public Health Wales, said: “Preparedness for mass unemployment events is essential and of global relevance.

Drawing on commonalities across national and international responses to mass unemployment events, this report clearly

Davies AR, Homolova L, Grey C, Bellis MA (2017).

Mass Unemployment Events (MUEs) – Prevention and Response from a Public Health Perspective.

Public Health Wales, Cardiff ISBN 978-1910768-42-6.

identifies the importance of addressing the health impact of these events, and provides a framework which can be adopted by other countries facing current or threatened mass unemployment.”

Professor Mark Bellis of Public Health Wales added: “Despite us hoping they never happen, public health routinely plans and prepares for large scale weather, contamination and other potentially devastating events.

“This report shows how mass unemployment events require a similar precautionary public health approach so that we are ready to minimise harm to the health of those facing redundancy, as well as the families and communities around them.”

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

19

F EATURED

Visiting Mum The Visiting Mum scheme

• A pilot scheme run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support for prisoners and families, in partnership with Sova, a charity who recruit and train the volunteers.

• Volunteers facilitated contact and visits between mothers and their children, preparing children and carers for the visits and arranging transport.

• Visits took place at HMP Eastwood Park female prison in Gloucestershire, the local prison for female offenders in South Wales.

• Usual visits take place in crowded rooms at a small table, from which the mother is not allowed to move • The Visiting Mum scheme was much more relaxed and allowed for private visits where mothers could interact with their children.

A “vital service” for children with mothers in prison.

Social Sciences who gathered data using conversations and group sessions; interviews with mothers, both during their time in

The Visiting Mum scheme was regarded

prison and after their release; interviews

as a flagship project in Eastwood Park by

with carers and the scheme’s volunteers; and

the prison inspectorate, and was widely

creative group work activities with children.

appreciated by children, mothers and carers, according to an evaluation by researchers at

The scheme identified that no one records

Cardiff University.

how many children have a mother in prison or where they go. The children are not

The Children’s Social Care Research and

routinely offered support and, for the vast

Development Centre at Cardiff University

majority, they have to move home and

Mothers who utilised the scheme also

undertook the three year evaluation project

community. They are a hidden group of

reported improved mental health, reduced

to assess whether the objectives that were

vulnerable children. Results showed that

levels of anxiety, and less instances of self-

set up when the scheme launched in October

the scheme provided support and helped

harm. Mothers found it easier to reintegrate

2014 have been achieved.

improve the mental health and wellbeing of

back into their families upon release.

the children. In particular it helped reduce The project was led by Dr Alyson Rees,

their anxiety, while helping to preserve

Dr Alyson Rees said: “We found the Visiting

along with Dr Eleanor Staples and Dr Nina

and strengthen their relationship with their

Mum scheme to be a vital service which

Maxwell of Cardiff University’s School of

mothers.

was highly valued by children, mothers

20

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

This is what a pull quote would look like. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim.

“They (PACT) arrange for a

and carers. We are disseminating the

What do the figures say?

findings and contributing to round table

volunteer driver to pick up my mum

discussions in order to highlight the plight

and my three girls and they come up

of these children and the need for such

in a mini bus with other families. So

schemes to be put in place and funded.”

it’s nice really so they know that other people are having to go through what

The pilot scheme and evaluation project

they’re going through as well, so they

were funded by the Big Lottery Innovation

don’t feel they are like on their own.”

Fund.

One mother noting the benefit of the young people spending time with

• The Prison Reform Trust estimated that in 2015, 66% of women in prison had dependent children under the age of 18 • 97 mothers have been a part of the scheme so far and 292 visits have taken place • 76 mothers have since been released and only 13 are currently back in custody • Out of 21 mothers who came into prison on the ACCT* system, 15 were no longer part of the system after taking part in the Visiting Mum scheme

“You know there’s prison guards

others in the same situation.

in every corner, watching exactly what we are doing… it would be like quite

“Only because it’s not the parents

uncomfortable because obviously

who are suffering- as well it is the

they’d be dressed up in their uniform

kids… when it all first kicked off- I

and they just stare at you. Nobody is in

couldn’t go outside… Because like

uniform on PACT visits… They’re in the

everywhere you’d go like even though

office if they are so you don’t really

it wasn’t you that did it, you’d still get

see them.” A young woman, aged

targeted for it.” Two young women,

16, speaking about the frightening

aged 16 and 17, speaking about how

atmosphere in the prison on an

they suffered as a result of their

‘ordinary’ visit.

mother’s incarceration.

*ACCT: Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork - A system to identify and care for prisoners at risk or suicide or self-harm.

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

21

FE AT U RED

Study to examine best treatment options for bowel cancer patients

22

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Challenging the accepted treatment for certain types of bowel cancer is the aim of large, multi-centre randomised clinical trial being undertaken thanks to funding from Health and Care Research Wales.

Currently people with low rectal cancers receive radiotherapy and later surgery as part of their treatment, but researchers behind the SAILOR study, which is being supported

by Swansea Trials Unit, want to know if radiotherapy - which can cause long-term and sometimes irreversible side-effects in some patients - is necessary for all cases.

Radiotherapy is often used to shrink tumours

Professor Harris is a recipient of a Clinical Research Time Award from Health and Care Research Wales, which he says is vital to his work. The award aims to build research capacity and capability in the NHS by offering staff the opportunity to apply for protected time to engage in research activity.

“It has ring fenced one day of my working week to release my time to get the trial set up, write the protocol and get the sites activated as quickly as we can,” says Professor Harris.

Professor Dean Harris, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg

“I don’t sincerely think it would have been

University Health Board

possible without that support and funding because it does take a huge amount of time to be a chief investigator. To balance a busy surgical job with research interests is very difficult and I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to do that without that.”

“We have had some protocol amendments based on what the lay representatives have fed into those trial meetings, which has been really helpful.”

to make them easier to remove during surgery, but studies have indicated that outcomes for surgery-only patients are often

“The importance of the study is recognised by everyone I’ve spoken to about it.”

equivalent to those who have undergone the standard treatment.

The study aims to provide doctors with answers, backed up by high-quality evidence.

Help to set up sites has also been provided

by Velindre Cancer Centre, which receives some funding from Health and Care Research Wales, and Professor Harris’ colleagues are fully supportive of the study’s aims.

The study is currently at a feasibility stage,

Professor Harris explains: “The study was

meaning if possible, evidence from a much

showcased at the recent Association of

larger trial could be gathered in the future.

Colopractology of Great Britain and Ireland

Chief Investigator, Professor Dean Harris, explains: “The main objective is to see if we can recruit patients into the study. It’s quite a leap forward to talk to them about such an important thing as their cancer treatment and to see whether they would be willing to be randomised between the standard treatments - or straight to surgery alone. The other objectives are to get some quality data about the side effects the treatments can cause.

In addition to funding, Health and Care Research Wales has also been able to support the study through its Involving People Network. According to Professor Harris, the benefits have been clear, with members’ input proving “instrumental” in shaping the study.

“They helped us get two excellent lay members - who are former bowel cancer patients themselves - on to the trial steering committee and trial management group,” he says.

“We know that radiotherapy has both acute and chronic side effects. It worsens mortality rates after an operation; you can get delayed wound healing as a result; experience chronic pain and [suffer] a whole host of bladder, bowel and sexual function [problems] that don’t ever really go away, so we’re trying to collect some really robust data about how often that happens and get

“They have been really instrumental in raising awareness of the trial among patients and helping design the recruitment material and when there have been recruitment issues – giving a really different insight into why that may be and what we can do to bypass that barrier.

meeting in Bournemouth in June where we were able to present it to a large surgical audience to increase the number of sites who want to join the trial. Since then we’ve had another five or six sites interested.

“There’s a huge amount of support for the study among colorectal surgeons around the country who feel too much radiotherapy is currently given – perhaps unnecessarily – so the importance of the study is recognised by everyone I’ve spoken to about it.”

Professor Harris said administering such a trial isn’t without its challenges but the early signs show positive potential.

He added: “We’re encouraged that there’s a fairly sizeable number of colorectal units around the UK interested so we would hope that the recruitment will be sufficient to take it forward.”

some ideas about recurrence rates.”

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

23

FE AT U RED

Director reflects after nearly a decade at Velindre Cancer Centre’s helm After the best part of a decade at the helm of Velindre Cancer Centre, Professor Peter Barrett-Lee is stepping down from his role as medical director. Here Professor Barrett-Lee, who first joined Velindre in 1994 and is returning in a part time capacity, reflects on how research has changed the nature of healthcare.

– we’ve still got a long way to go but we do have breakthroughs in melanoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer – so I think we’re starting to see a dawning of that age of targeted therapies.” @ResearchWales: How has research at Velindre changed?

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee: “We’ve expanded hugely in terms of the volume of trials and more recently developed into early phase trials. In those old days, and for the last 25 years, most of that time has been phase three lower risk trials but now we have a phase one early phase unit and we’re up to nearly 100 patients in early phase

@ResearchWales: How will you look back on

trials; so we’re still small when compared

your time as medical director?

to the Royal Marsden or Christie [Centre] in Manchester but we’re building that side so

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee: “I took over

that’s exciting.”

as medical director in 2010 and it really felt to me as if the world changed gear at

“I want more people to be involved who

that point. We’d just had the credit crunch

aren’t doctors so nurses, physiotherapists,

and the collapse of the subprime mortgage

allied professionals and managers even.

market and so everything seemed to change.

We want everybody to be thinking about

The profile of the NHS was already high – it

research questions wherever they work. I

was now even higher. In Wales particularly,

want it to be a research-based organisation

it became a political issue between the

so people are trying to challenge what they

Conservative government in Westminster

do and improve what they do.”

and the Labour government in Wales and there was an election coming up at that time.

@ResearchWales: Does anything stand

The financial situation meant we started

out during your career in terms of

to look at everything we were doing with a

breakthroughs?

really hard lens – really focussing on not just where you could make savings but what we

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee: “When I was

really wanted to do.”

appointed here in 1994, nobody had heard of Herceptin. In reality it treats one type of

“I think research changed; we really saw the

breast cancer - one of the least common

taking off of biological targeted therapies

types - so it hasn’t revolutionised breast

24

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

cancer treatment. But I think as an example

“Medicine is not easy and these

of a massively important breakthrough, it

breakthroughs are not lucky, easy quick

was the first of the monoclonal antibodies to

things. It’s all very well to have a vision but

show that just by giving a targeted antibody

to get the vision through you’ve got to really

you can actually cure someone of cancer

drive it. You may be turned down for grants

and it has led the way for all the other

several times, you’ve got to be absolutely

monoclonal antibodies to come in.

determined not to take no for an answer.

With innovation, people don’t like it and

“That’s just an amazing technological

there is a lot of ‘me too’ type research and

achievement and we’re probably only just

we need to get away from that. It’s easier to

touching the surface. We tend to think of it

get a grant if you just copy what the current

as an old technology but Herceptin was only

trend is, whereas the inspirational people

licensed in 1998 so it isn’t that old and we’re

for me have come up with a completely new

still finding more out about it now and we’re

idea and paradigm.”

still finding new antibodies all the time. I think the technology of antibodies has been

@ResearchWales: What is next for you?

the biggest breakthrough in my time.”

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee: “I’m going @ResearchWales: What, or who, has inspired

back to my roots; I’m going to keep seeing

you?

my patients. It’s what I was trained to do – look after people with cancer. I’m [also]

Professor Peter Barrett-Lee: “There are

going back to my research roots, although

people who’ve inspired me. There are people

I’ve been keeping it ticking along. We’re

I’ve met who’ve changed my thinking.

particularly interested in the genetics and

The people who designed and worked on

mutational analysis of patients’ tumours

Herceptin have been very inspirational I

during the journey, particularly if they do get

think for a lot of us because that story is one

a secondary spread and metastatic disease.

of dogged determination. It wasn’t easy; it

We’re going to see a whole new way of

took ten years to develop Herceptin from

managing, detecting and following cancer

the idea and it was really tricky to get it

so that’s what I’m going to focus on. I’m also

into the right formulation so there are some

involved in some of the artificial intelligence

inspirational stories about people not giving

work we’re doing here and I’m very excited

up.

about that.”

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

25

Calendar Click here for: Health and Care Research Wales events calendar

UK HealthTech Conference

MediWales Innovation Awards

Tuesday 05 December Mercure Holland House, Cardiff

Tuesday 12 December National Museum of Wales, Cardiff

A programme of valuable sector updates

The twelfth annual awards will celebrate the

and forward thinking across the life science

achievements of the NHS, life science and

sector.

health technology communities.

Welsh NHS Confederation Annual Conference

Wales School for Social Care Research conference

Wedesday 07 February City Hall, Cardiff

Wednesday 14 February Venue TBC

An opportunity to come together to share

Details will be posted on the Wales School

ideas and learn how others are making a

for Social Care Research website:

difference.

www.walessscr.org

Reaching Distant Voices

Public Health Research, Policy and Practice: Research with Impact

Friday 16 February Park Inn, Cardiff organisations to publiscise and promote the

Thursday 08 March Hadyn Ellis Medical Research Facility, Cardiff

work they do.

Showcasing the impact of research from

An opportunity for a range of diverse

across Public Health Wales and partners.

26

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

Health and Care Research Wales Support and Delivery annual event Thursday 15 March Cardiff City Stadium Open to NHS and social care R&D delivery teams and the Support Centre.

Involving People Network Annual Meeting 2018 Wedesday 21 March Cardiff City Stadium The theme of this year’s event is ‘coproduction: public voices in action’.

Researchers will have the opportunity to present research projects or ideas in a collaborative workshop.

FUN DING

Health and Care Research Wales funding scheme launch dates 2018 Summer

2019 PhD Health Studentship Award

Date TBC

PhD Social Care Studentship Award

September Clinical Research Time Award 2018

Social Care Research Fellowship Award November Research for Patient and Public

Benefit (RfPPB) Wales

Research Funding Scheme - Health Grant Award www.healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/funding/our-funding-schemes/

Protect tomorrow by helping today You have a unique opportunity to be part of shaping the health and wellbeing of future generations in Wales.

Sign up to take part in Wales’ largest health study now! www.healthwisewales.gov.wales

Register

healthwisewales@cardiff.ac.uk

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017

0800 9 172 172 @HealthWiseWales

27

Air Dough Cells by Hannah O’Mahoney, Tenovus Cancer Care ‘Honourable mention’, Health and Care Research Wales’ photography competition

Join us on our social media channels

28

Health and Care Research Wales Magazine - Issue 03 - November 2017