Core Clinical Team
The NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF) has a core clinical team made up of Clinical Team Leaders, Research Sisters, Research Nurses and Support Workers all working together with investigators across the Trust.
Clinical Team Leaders
Our Clinical Team Leaders provide leadership and management to a dedicated team of research nursing staff within the CRF and ensure that the highest possible quality of care is delivered which meet and exceed the expectations of individual patients and participants.
Research Sisters
Research Sisters are responsible for coordinating and managing a portfolio of clinical research projects within the CRF, and ensure that the research practice meets the requirements of all applicable legislation and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
I started working in the Clinical Research Facility in January 2023 as a Research Sister. Prior to this role I was working within the directorate in gastroenterology research. Currently, I work in the grey team which involves working on numerous neurological research studies and I have learnt so much since I started in the role.
The training I have received to enable me to support the team has been fantastic! Due to the complexities of the research studies I am supporting, I have gained so many new competencies that I would have been unable to achieve in a ward environment.
I feel privileged to be part of a fantastic team, knowing that my contribution is making a difference to people's lives.
Lindsey Gleadhill
Research Sister
Every day of working in clinical research has given me a fresh, diverse and a dynamic outlook and experience. At first it felt daunting but as time goes on, the more I find it more interesting and enjoyable. As a Research Sister, I feel greatly rewarded to be part of and support the science behind the evidence of unsolved clinical problems, with the goal of saving lives and promoting the health and wellbeing of my patients and the general public. Supporting different clinical research projects in diverse clinical specialities has enabled me to gain a wealth of knowledge and a wide range of skills, which I would otherwise not have acquired in other work settings.
I particularly love the close rapport I establish with my patients and study participants. On many occasions my patients have expressed how they look forward to attending their study visits. Seeing my patients feel empowered and enjoying participating in clinical trials not only boosts my confidence, but it also gives me great motivation and demonstrates the value of my contribution in research.
I enjoy working in research because it gives me a privilege of not only working and interacting with my research colleagues but also being part of the wider multidisciplinary team, the NHS, and the corporate world, all working towards a common goal. I particularly enjoyed working on the frontline of COVID-19 research and how in a short space of time, our global collaborative approach in research led to great results and saved so many lives. I love working in research!
Faith Kibutu
Research Sister
Research Nurses
Our Research Nurse teams work across both sites of the Trust and with over 20 different clinical specialities.
As part of the larger research team, Research Nurses assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care for patients in line with research protocols and deliver research to meet recruitment targets. They are able to see patients or volunteers within the CRF or alternatively, they can visit patients in their regular clinic environment within the Trust to minimise inconvenience to patients and embed research into standard care pathways. Research Nurses ensure that research safeguards are in place to protect the well-being of research subjects and that research is conducted within the regulatory framework.
I enjoy working as a Research Nurse as it allows me to support people who are taking part in research that will positively benefit both themselves and future patients who are living with very challenging medical conditions.
David Foote
Research Nurse
Higher Level Support Workers/Support Workers
Our Support Worker team provides cross site cover working closely with the Research Nurses and interact closely with patients and visitors to the CRF. They deliver a high quality service and care to research participants and researchers within a dedicated research setting.
The Higher Level Support Workers provide phlebotomy/cannulation, ECG and laboratory support as part of research protocol and also ensure trial specimens are processed and managed, stored and dispatched in accordance with the Human Tissue Act and all study specific laboratory manuals.
I have worked in the Clinical Research Facility in Sheffield for the past 15 years now, which I believe is a testament as to how much I enjoy working on the frontline of research.
My role as a Higher Level Clinical Support Worker enables me to support all of the Nursing Teams with their studies, from providing a phlebotomy, cannulation and laboratory processing service, to ensuring the facility is fully equipped, amongst other things. It brings so much job satisfaction knowing that as part of a team, we are helping to make a difference in people’s lives.
Although the last couple of years have been challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic, to be part of the COVID-19 vaccine trial research has been a privilege, and I have never been as proud to work in research!
Chris Drake
Higher Level Clinical Support Worker
