We are pleased to be part of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) for Wessex.  This means we are part of a network of GP partnerships who host medical research on a regular basis. Findings from research studies help all GPs, nurses and other health professionals provide the most appropriate and up-to-date care. Patients registered with us have an opportunity to help shape the future of health care by taking part in research projects.

As a member of the Clinical Research Network, we will from time to time invite patients to take part in research studies.  You will always receive clear information about what taking part in any research study would involve. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about the study with no obligation to take part.

There are various ways a patient can become involved in studies at Living Well and requirements vary from study to study and if you choose to take part, this could include:

  • Filling in a questionnaire

  • Talking to a researcher about your views/symptoms

  • Letting the researcher look at your medical notes

  • Trying a new treatment, therapy or device

  • Experiencing new combinations or timings of treatments

  • Providing samples for testing (blood, urine, breath etc.)

You may be sent information through the post, or read information about a current study in the patient waiting room or on the surgery website and wish to take part or your GP/nurse may discuss the study in a consultation where appropriate.

Participation in any research project is entirely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time throughout any study. Declining or withdrawing from any study will not affect your medical care in any way.

More information about some of our active research projects can be found below.

This research study aims to find out whether people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should take a daily low-dose aspirin tablet to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

We are inviting all potentially suitable patients to take part. This includes people aged 18 or over who have had blood or urine tests that indicate they have CKD.

CKD has 5 different stages. Stage 1 technically is normal however, as medicine is progressing we are picking up and defining some very early diagnoses before they make anyone unwell. Some patients may be receiving the invite as early as stage 1 as they fulfil the extensive criteria of this study. If you receive a letter about this study we really do not want you to worry but to understand that participation is entirely voluntary to this study and regardless of participation or the CKD stage you will be monitored as current guidance recommends. Please look out for emails and texts inviting you for annual blood tests, blood pressure and urine tests.

There is some excellent information for further advice available at the Kidney Information website.

If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to drop us an eConsult and if you mark this specifically for the attention of Dr Pritti Aggarwal the Principal Investigator for the Living Well Partnership, she will get back to you in due course.