photo: Biomedical Scientist David Tetlow prepares samples at the Ysbyty Gwynedd laboratories.

A number of recent research projects at the North West Wales NHS Trust have contributed to improving patient care both locally and further afield.

The Trust has an active research programme designed to ensure that it provides its patients with the best available evidence based care.

The evidence provided by various trials and projects helps clinicians to develop a clearer understanding of the management and treatment of certain medical conditions. investigations are also conducted into the potential of new treatments and the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, as wells as establishing if the service provided is efficient and provides value for money,

The main areas in which research is conducted at the North West Wales NHS Trust are:

• Oncology and haematology (cancer and leukaemia)
• Mental health (depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, addiction, suicide, cognitive function and behaviour)
• Neurology and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy)
• Inflammatory and immunological (rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases)
• Cardiovascular and Stroke
• Metabolic and endocrine (diabetes, nutrition)
• Renal (kidney disease)
• Palliative care (end of life care)

Dr Keith Griffiths, Consultant Biochemist and Research and Development Director said: “The aim of the research programme is converting research findings into clinical practice. In recent years we have seen an increase in research activity, very valuable clinical trials and projects with the outcomes influencing individual patient management or achieving positive outcomes”.

Research conducted at the Trust has contributed to the establishment of:

• A type of chemotherapy for some colorectal cancer patients which improves clinical outcomes
• Sentinel node biopsy as standard practice in early breast cancer intervention which may reduce the need for further surgery
• Antibiotics as standard practice given to prevent infection in during the course of chemotherapy
• a new drug to treat a specific type of breast cancer

Other projects recently completed include:

• A contribution to the licensing and subsequent NICE approval of adalimumab (a new drug) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis;
• Introducing the regular measuring the cholesterol levels of patients with gallstones to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Introducing a new kidney function test now routinely used for people at risk of developing chronic kidney disease;
• A new test to evaluate whether elderly patients are malnourished
• Identification of new molecules in the blood which allow better diagnosis and monitoring of disease.

A substantial number of projects are being run in collaboration with academics from Bangor University which have produced a significant number of publications, contributing to the scientific advance of the healthcare. Last year 179 research projects were actively running in the trust, with over 15,000 patients being involved in research.

Dr Rossela Roberts, Clinical Governance Officer said: “Patients’ contribution to research is invaluable, not only as research participants but also as contributors to the research initiatives. Those who chose to participate in clinical trials make a contribution to the development of medical science whilst still benefiting from having access to the best medical care. Our pledge is that the interests of patients in trials, their safety and wellbeing is paramount”.