Whipps Cross University Hospital

In May 2010 the Trust opened its doors to Whipps Cross staff, external non-commercial organisations and school students from across London and invited guests in a showcase of the research conducted at Whipps Cross and the latest in the specific topic areas.

Dr Lucy Moore, Chief Executive, opened the proceedings. There followed talks by Dr Rodney Gale, R&D Consultant and former Director of Research Support at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Dr Alan Hakim, Consultant Rheumatologist and Director of Strategy & Business Support at Whipps Cross. Attendees were encouraged to visit the interactive sessions located in the unit including displays from the Stroke, Diabetes and Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN) and the Whipps Cross cancer management team.

Posters were on display from 10 different specialties to give a flavour of the variety of research undertaken in the Trust. The posters were judged by Drs Rodney Gale and Peter Lovell Research Design Service (RDS) London, and first prize was awarded to Mandy Greenwood, Rheumatology Nurse, for “Touch Screen Collection of RA Outcome Data in Clinic, a feasible and valid option?”.

“This day has been a phenomenal success”, Mr James Green, Director of Research & Development and Consultant Urologist commented.  “We were privileged to have such great presentations on the day which gave the audience a clear understanding of the landscape for research, both from the clinician’s perspective as well as a patient. 

“With the challenging financial times we have ahead of us, the creative workshop lead by NHS Innovations London gave the participants an opportunity to look at problems which they may face in their everyday working life in a different light.”

Delegates then made their way around a series of interactive sessions manned by hospital staff. The Medical Education training suite team demonstrated laparoscopic equipment including a high tech endoscopy simulation used to train junior staff. Students could see in detail what an endoscopy would look like in real life and an eye surgery simulation toolkit.

The dietetics team highlighted healthy eating options, BMI and body fat composition and discussed career opportunities within their profession.

The Medicines for Children’s Research Network (MCRN) pharmacy team held a workshop on medicine formulations. Delegates provided feedback on their preferences on how medicines were made up. During the afternoon session a video was shown of the MCRN children’s user group interviewing Professor vant Hoff about paediatric clinical trials and why they were so important.

Ms Lubna Ahmed, a science teacher from one of the local schools said, “The students found the interviews with staff insightful, and it gave them a great opportunity to find out what is expected of them in that role.

“Many of the students are hoping to go into medicine, but were pleasantly surprised to find there are many different career pathways to take with a science based degree.  I feel this has been the perfect experience for our students to see in a real life setting, exactly what they can do to help patients.”

The students were keen to get involved in the sessions and the talks.  One student said: “I had no idea there is so much involved with research.  After hearing the presentation from Dr John Ho about his vitamin D study, I understand why it is vital to do research to perhaps change current working practise.” 

Another student spoke highly of the patient representative:  “The research patient was very honest in his experience of taking part in a study.  He spoke about the highs and lows, but regardless of his experience, he would do it again which was very reassuring.”