Experienced research staff – ranging from administrators, health care assistants, nurses and doctors – were all keen to get on board and offer their time and assistance. The team was especially overwhelmed by the offers of help and support they received from busy consultants across many areas of the RCHT that were integral to setting-up and running these vital research studies locally.

As study sponsors began to invite the RCHT to get involved with their own studies, the RD&I Set Up Team worked hard with the newly formed Covid-19 team to ensure that they were open and recruiting patients as soon as possible. The team are now running a growing portfolio of Covid-19 studies; some are comparing possible treatments, others are closely monitoring patients and collecting and analysing data and samples.

Helen Chenoweth, Research Team Leader, who is co-ordinating, says: “During this difficult time, the importance of COVID research has been embraced by the whole Trust. The Research & Development Department have worked tirelessly to ensure patients are offered any research study opportunities and treatments that are available at the RCHT.”

Pictured: Members of the Royal Cornwall Hospital Covid-19 Research Team