Anaesthesia researchers honoured

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in partnership with the RCoA, has recognised the achievements of NHS consultants and trainees at a prestigious awards ceremony in York.

The RCoA and NIHR research awards scheme acknowledged healthcare professionals' clinical leadership of several NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) supported studies.

Winners had also demonstrated their ability in increasing patient participation in studies.

The winners are:

• Caroline Thomas, Consultant in Anaesthesia, St James' University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Claire Swarbrick, National Trainee Lead for SNAP-3 and Anaesthetic Registrar, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Ms Sharon Drake, Director of Clinical Quality and Research, Royal College of Anaesthetists said,

“The RCoA/NIHR awards are a great opportunity to showcase high quality research leadership and practice amongst NHS clinicians. The quality of the applications across all categories was again exceptionally high and demonstrated the outstanding contributions to clinical research from our specialty.

Of particular note, was the successful applicants’ commitment to widening patient access and participation in research for greater diversity and inclusion.”

Dr Joyce Yeung, Acting NIHR CRN National Specialty Lead for Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, said:

“Anaesthetists play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and well-being during the perioperative period. Anaesthetists also provide pain management and care for many patients including obstetric care, acute illness as well as medical emergencies. The outstanding contribution from the awardees reflects their dedication and support not only to clinical research but also their efforts in continuing to improve patient care and outcomes. We celebrate and congratulate the awardees for their prestigious awards”

As part of the application process, applicants had to set out how they would use the prize money to increase their contribution to NIHR CRN Network Portfolio studies in the future.

Since its establishment in 2006, the NIHR has significantly increased the scale of clinical research in the NHS, particularly through the NIHR CRN. The enthusiastic engagement of NHS physicians and trainees is essential for sustaining and building on this success, particularly given the many competing demands on clinician time and resources.