PATIENTS, carers and service users across Surrey are being thanked for taking part in research studies.

This year, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) ‘I Am Research’ campaign is celebrating how research has improved health and care since the founding of the NHS in 1948.

Dr Kate Jones, chief operating officer for NIHR Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex said: “I would like to personally thank the more than 35,000 patients, carers and service users from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex who have taken part in NIHR portfolio research studies.

“Their contribution is invaluable to the advancement of clinical practice and scientific innovation.

“I am looking forward to more people in our region being given the opportunity to help shape the next 70 years of the NHS through research.”

Across Kent, Surrey and Sussex research is taking place into many disease areas and conditions including cancer, diabetes, mental health, dementia, and eye problems.

The aim of ‘I Am Research’ is to raise awareness of the benefits of research and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.

If you are interested in taking part in a research study, either as a patient or a healthy volunteer, ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or other healthcare professional about whether there is a trial or study you could take part in.

Those interested can also visit the UK Clinical Trials Gateway website - www.ukctg.nihr.ac.uk - to find out what research is happening in nearby areas and how to participate.