60 seconds with...our CSS research leads
Helena and Claudio are the new research leads for clinical support services, read more about what their roles entail in their 60 second interview.
Who are you?
[Helena] I am the new Research and Innovation Lead within the Clinical Support Services for the Primary Arm. The Primary Arm refers to the staff who work specifically within the Clinical Support Services [CSS].
[Claudio] I am the Research Operations Manager for the Clinical Support Services.
What do you do?
[Helena] My role is to support all consultants and staff within CSS specifically with their research projects or ideas and help bring them to fruition. This could range from a small research basic science study to an Artificial Intelligence initiative to a Clinical Trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product [CTIMP]. I can support in a variety of ways such as seeking funding or grants, writing proposals or protocols, reviewing the governance components, seeking collaboration, providing support to deliver and so on.
[Claudio] I support all research teams so that their studies and clinical trials are set up and delivered efficiently, and our patients benefit from being part of outstanding research. No two days are the same, and I can be found helping an investigator to sort out MRI issues through to pathology with lab samples, at the same talking to the cancer team, along to the renal colleagues. My responsibilities span across all divisions within CSS: Pharmacy, Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, MRI, Pathology, Clinical Physics and Therapies.
Why is research important?
[Helena] I have worked in research for over 10 years. If you had asked me this question 3 years ago my answer would have been different. In 2016, my own mother was diagnosed with incurable cancer; she was 62 years of age; a wife, a mother and a grandmother. We knew the trial wouldn’t cure my mum, but she would get access to some new drugs which may help her as there was evidence it worked for other cancers, but primarily, there was the potential to help future patients. My mum passed away 3 months after diagnosis. You never truly understand the importance of research until there are very few options, or indeed no options left, for someone you love. We are living longer but not healthier. A recent publication showed that the number of older people who have at least four different medical conditions is set to double by 2035, in a trend that will put huge extra strain on the NHS. Without research, nothing will change and personally, I would love to see improved treatments in a variety of conditions.
[Claudio] Research is paramount to discover which treatments work better for patients. It plays a crucial role in finding out new ways of treating patients as well as ensuring that existing treatments are optimised to achieve maximum benefits. Although recent times have seen a number of new therapies, there are still unanswered questions, and the power of research can facilitate filling in these gaps and provide tools to the healthcare profession. We live and breathe research – patients have benefitted from research in the past, and will continue to do so from research which is currently being carries out.
An interesting fact is that there is evidence suggesting that patients being treated in research-active organisations may expect better health outcomes than patients in non-research place. Thus, we feel very proud of being part of such an exciting place like Barts Health, striving to provide the best possible care to patients.
What are the future plans for CSS research?
We are committed to provide excellent support to the Trust to achieve international recognition for research, education and innovation, and we look at CSS Research from bi-dimensional perspective.
[Claudio] From a support service aspect, we aim to streamline and simplify the process for our researchers from feasibility to delivery of their studies successfully. We intend to do so by engaging fully with each and every research team to ensure that the studies are fully compliant with regulations, and that we have the capacity and capability to run clinical trials at any of our sites. I promote a culture of collaboration, pragmatism and proportionality, and continuously assess our research services for any quality improvement.
[Helena] Having been here for a few months, it is clear that there are a significant number of opportunities within CSS in relation to research and innovation. We have been engaging with a number of collaborators and over the next few months you will see or read more as part of our communications strategy. You may already be aware that Barts operates one of the largest imaging centres in the country. The long term plan is that every patient who walks through the door will be offered the opportunity to be involved in research.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
[Claudio] Research is fascinating tool that makes you think differently, simply by being part in the creation of new knowledge. The nature of research challenges and tests you to consider new ideas, new reasons, and new possibilities. I see my role the same as other service lines - but I am delivering research and I feel most comfortable in the operational aspects. Knowing that I have helped one of our consultants to obtain a specific MRI mapping sequence for a study is enough to make me proud of my job.
[Helena] In general, I love research. Ultimately, what I do in my role contributes to improving the care of others and potentially saves lives, improves lives, or will save lives in the future. What’s not to enjoy?!
What do you enjoy the most outside work?
[Helena] I come from a big Irish family and my husband comes from a big Jamaican family so outside of work I am kept very busy! It’s quite a combination as we are a family of entertainers on both sides with both our fathers being singers. I also volunteer as a Patient Research Ambassador at the hospital where my mum was treated for cancer raising awareness of research. I love to read and can get through at least 2-3 books per week. I also do lots of fundraising for MacMillan.
[Claudio] My main two passions outside of work are travel and food. If I were ever to swap my job for something else, I would definitely be looking at becoming a food blogger from all over the world!