Media Release
Date: 20 May 2025
Get involved with research at the RUH
Local people are being urged to help support the development of new medical treatments which could transform people’s lives by getting involved with research at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
Bath resident Willm Mistral is taking part in a diabetes study at the hospital where he is trialling a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, used to track blood glucose levels.
It involves wearing a small, disc-shaped sticker on his arm, which gives him real time data on his blood sugar levels so he can ensure he keeps them within an optimal range.
By taking part in the study Willm is helping to assess how successful the new equipment could be in helping people with diabetes keep a more accurate check on their blood glucose levels using more precise data.
Willm, 78, said: “My background is in research, so taking part in a trial like this was something I already had an interest in.
“I just looked on the hospital’s website to see which specialties were running research trials and picked the area of research which was most relevant to me.
“It’s been so easy and straightforward though and the staff have been excellent, so helpful and supportive.
“I would encourage everyone to take part in research if they can. It is so rewarding and you know you are doing something which could help a lot of people in the future.”
Today (Tuesday 20 May) is Clinical Trials Day, a national campaign to raise the profile of research in clinical settings and celebrate all that has been accomplished thanks to clinical trials and the people behind them.
The RUH has an excellent reputation for being a research active hospital and last year launched its Research Strategy, which focuses on supporting and developing research studies that address the healthcare needs of the local community through collaborative working.
Our studies take place across lots of hospital departments and often involve working together with other hospitals, universities, charities and businesses.
Sarah Stratton, Clinical Research Practitioner, said: “We are so grateful for our research patients who volunteer to take part in clinical studies, giving their time, experience and voice to make sure that our patient population is included in innovative research that forms future care.
“From complex personalised treatments which can offer care above what is currently available, through to studies collecting data to better form an idea of how healthcare is received by the people we care for, we have a well-rounded portfolio of research studies at the RUH.
“If you think you could help us develop new medical treatments and transform the lives of people in the future, please get in touch.”
You can find out more about the research opportunities available at the RUH on our website - https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/research_development/index.asp or through the newly relaunched 'Be Part of Research' website which lists research opportunities at the RUH and across the UK - https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/ .
