Non-Core Clinical Team
The non-core clinical team is made up of a team of Clinical Trials Assistants (CTAs) who deliver low risk observational trials from feasibility through to archiving within clinical directorates across the Trust. They also provide clinical support for interventional studies taking place in the NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF). They have a wide range of clinical and research skills and experience and work in a flexible and adaptive way to meet the needs of the research studies that they are supporting. The team is led by a Senior Research Sister and overseen by the Trust Research Matron.
Rebecca Pyecroft-Oxley
Trust Research Matron
As Trust Research Matron I have a responsibility to provide leadership, and compliance to both clinical and research governance for a large team of clinical staff who undertake research within the directorates supporting the delivery of a wide range of trials. This involves working closely with colleagues from the Clinical Research and Innovation Office (CRIO), the NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF), directorate-based teams across the Trust and teams working in partnership with the University of Sheffield. This team consists of research nurses and clinical trials assistants who are based within the directorates with the aim to improve and understand a variety of health conditions to offer better outcomes for our patients through access to new treatments and interventions.
I feel privileged to work alongside these great teams who support research within their own clinical areas and feel proud that we are able to have a real impact upon people’s lives.
Nicola Tinker
Senior Research Sister - CTA Team
I joined the NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in 2009 as a Research Sister. I have worked on lots of different studies during that time including Experimental Medicine (EM) and Urgent Public Health (UPH) studies.
I have always enjoyed working on observational studies and the specific challenges and opportunities for patients that these types of studies bring, giving many patients the chance to influence future care, diagnostic and treatment options and increase the body of knowledge relating to their disease or condition.
I am currently seconded as a Senior Research Sister in the Clinical Trials Assistant Team working as part of the Clinical Research and Innovation Office (CRIO). This is a cross-site team, delivering low risk observational studies at both the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the Northern General Hospital for a wide range of clinical specialities. The team also supports EM and UPH studies within the CRF. This is an exciting change to how observational studies are delivered and I am very proud to be working alongside such a talented group of CTAs.
