Newly launched buses take research on the road
Two new buses have been launched to help deliver health and care research across the region.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex unveiled the new buses at a special ceremony in Southampton city centre on Friday.
The buses have been planned with contributions from partners and the public, including at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).
They carry everything needed to deliver research on the road. This will make it easier than ever for patients and members of the public to take part.
A key goal is to reach those under-served by research opportunities.
Taking research to patients
The buses will take research into the heart of local communities across Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight and parts of Wiltshire. They will visit community centres, supermarkets and other easy-to-reach places.
Dr Patrick Moore, Associate Director of the NIHR CRN Wessex, said:
“We know these buses are going to help us get many more people involved in our studies, and that’s good news for everyone.
“Patients who take part in research have better health outcomes, and healthy volunteers who put themselves forwards for trials really enjoy giving something back to the health system.”
Kate Parker and her 18-month-old twin daughters, Jess and Ellie, were chosen to cut the ribbons.
They took part in Harmonie, an international trial co-led by experts at UHS. Results suggest giving a new antibody treatment to babies could cut hospital admissions from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
“It’s a real honour to launch these new vehicles,” Kate said.
“Delivering trials on the road will make it much easier for people to get involved. Finding hospital parking is tricky and then there’s the problem of finding your way around.
“Lots of people would like to contribute to research to help protect future generations, like us, and the buses really will help.”
Reaching more people
Going out into the community will help to reach people who are under-represented in research. This includes ethnic minority groups, older and isolated people, those living in socially and economically deprived areas, disabled and gender diverse people.
The buses carry everything needed to run a wide range of studies. Their first uses will include an innovative asthma study and a dementia trial.
They are also available to hire for outreach and engagement events or to carry out public consultations.
Kelly Adams, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of CRN Wessex, said: “We are so happy to reach this milestone. The buses represent our major goals for research - to include people who have never had the chance to get involved, and to transform healthcare in our area.”
Students from Arts University Bournemouth were brought on board during the design process. They designed the bus that will be most regularly used in under-served communities.
“It’s great to see the bus up and running,” said Thomas Roberts, one of the student-led design team. “It looks even better than we had hoped. It’s great to know it will be doing such important work to develop better care and treatments for the future.”
Please contact tom.simpson@nihr.ac.uk for more information on how the buses can be used and booked by partner organisations.