Trust staff recognised at Clinical Research Network regional awards

Last night, two incredible staff from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust won awards at the Clinical Research Networks regional awards ceremony.

Donna Noonan, Head of Service for Research and Innovation, was the winner in the continuous improvement category which recognised her commitment and dedication in supporting our research team, and colleagues who work closely with them, to continuously develop and improve – both for the benefit of the service and in their own personal growth.

Laura McCafferty, Clinical Research Practitioner, won the Rising Star Award for her enthusiasm and drive to implement great ideas which regularly become best practice. Laura has also become one of the first people in the region to work her way up to registration as a research practitioner from entry level in the NHS.  

As well as these two fantastic achievements, the Trust was also recognised for its contribution to the HARMONIE study, in the collaboration in research category. The HARMONIE study is looking at new medicine which protects against RSV, and the Trust currently has 17 patients recruited.

Claire Thompson, Chief Officer for Improvement and Partnership, attended the awards to present an award and support Trust colleagues. She said: “I am so pleased for Donna, Laura and the whole research and innovation team – as well as all the colleagues across the Trust who do their bit to support research.

“These awards are so deserved, and show how well the team here are performing. Their work is really putting Swindon on the map, and we are keen to build on this particularly in relation to innovative research that addresses the needs of traditionally under-served populations.

“The level of continuous improvement displayed by the team also shows some of our own best practice, and the commitment to embedding improvement methodology to both support the development of individuals in the team, as well as improving the patient experience, is fantastic. Well done to everyone.”