ON International Clinical Trials Day, people in the North-East are being encouraged to find out more about medical research opportunities.

The North-East branch of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network will be using the day (May 20) to promote its ‘OK to ask’ campaign.

A recent survey showed that 95 per cent of people believed it was important that the NHS carries out clinical research but just one in five said they would feel very confident asking their doctor about research opportunities.

The NIHR’s ‘OK to ask’ campaign seeks to remove those barriers by encouraging patients to speak to healthcare professionals – whether GPs, nurses, midwives or consultants – to find out what potential studies could be available to them or their family members.

In 2014/15, a total of 36,175 patients were recruited into clinical research in the North-East and North Cumbria. Research plays a vital role in the continuous improvement of health services and it’s in part thanks to patients, carers and the general public volunteering their time that the region has such a respected reputation for healthcare research.

Derek Forster, from Ponteland, Northumberland, is one volunteer from the region who has been taking part in research for a number of years.

The 71-year-old retired dentist said: “I would encourage anyone who wants to help make a difference to find out more about what studies are taking place locally.”

Professor Stephen Robson, Clinical Director at CRN: North East and North Cumbria, said: “There are scores of clinical trials taking place in the North-East covering a wide range of subject matters. It’s not just people with specific conditions or illnesses that can take part in trials, it’s healthy people of all ages and backgrounds.

For more information visit nihr.ac.uk/oktoask