Host organisation: Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust
Clinical Lead: Dr Jane Byrne
Introduction
North West DeNDRoN provides support for research studies and clinical trials for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of degenerative neurological conditions, including: Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease, and Huntington’s disease.
The network covers over seven million people and we work with researchers, nurses, doctors and other healthcare staff from NHS trusts and universities across the region as well as the pharmaceutical industry, enabling them to develop and carry out research that is appropriate to patients’ needs.
Team
The Network is managed by Lynne Owen and Dr Jane Byrne, consultant old age psychiatrist is the clinical lead.
We also have research staff with many years experience at NHS trusts across the region, providing support to researchers and clinicians.
North West Exemplar Programme
North West DeNDRoN is part of the North West Exemplar Programme, which aims to demonstrate the improved clinical trial performance that is possible when the NIHR Clinical Research Network works closely with partners in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and across the NHS.
The Programme is capturing best practice on the delivery of 20 industry sponsored studies adopted by the NIHR Clinical Research Network running at research sites in the North West. Study progress through set up and delivery at these sites is being closely monitored and key performance indicators are being measured.
More information can be found at: http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/index/industry/nwexemplar.html
Latest News
A North West based research study into Parkinson’s Disease has reached its recruitment target a year early. The ‘Impulsivity’ study opened to recruitment in July 2007 and has recruited the 100 people needed for the study 12 months ahead of schedule. Dr Iracema Leroi, consultant in old age psychiatry at Lancashire Care Trust, is investigating the cognitive, personality and psychiatric risk factors in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Further details here (pdf file, opens in new window, 57 kb) 
North West DeNDRoN Winter 2009/10 Newsletter (pdf file, opens in new window, 696 kb)
PPI
To ensure we are carrying out the best research we aim to involve patients and the public at all stages of our work.
If you would like to find out more about joining a research study or just want to find out more about research and getting involved, then please contact Clare Jones, on 07918 692 601 or clare.jones@dendron.org.uk.
A patient’s view
Mr Ieuan Johnston, 70, from Congleton, Cheshire , was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004. Here are some of his thoughts about taking part in a clinical trial that is being run by DeNDRoN North West.
“Like many people my age I can only function normally by taking a fistful of tablets every day. I won’t bore you with the details. These tablets would not be available without clinical trials.
“During one of my outpatient visits I was asked if I would like to take part in a clinical trial into a medication to help sufferers with Parkinson’s Disease. The nature of what is being tested and the method behind the test were clearly explained so I knew exactly what I was taking part in before I signed up to become a “guinea pig” in that clinical trial.
“The medical team supervising the trial have taken great care to ensure that my health would not be at risk during the trial and I have had what amounts to a very thorough “MOT” – and there is still life in the old dog yet!
“All through the process I have been told very clearly what to do while on the trial and the staff are always really friendly and cheerful.
“While being involved in the trial does take time, there is no financial cost to me. A taxi is always provided to the hospital and tea and coffee available.
“I have not regretted my decision to become a “guinea pig” for one moment and I hope that these words are helpful to people who are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial. I also hope that my participation will be helpful to fellow Parkinson’s Disease sufferers.”
Contacts
For general enquiries, please call:
0161 276 3314 or 07918 739 383
lynne.owen@dendron.org.uk
Research Locations and Partner Sites
NHS Organisations
- Salford Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (www.srft.nhs.uk)
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (at Manchester Royal Infirmary) (www.cmmc.nhs.uk)
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust (at Hillview, Royal Blackburn Hospital) (www.lancashirecare.nhs.uk)
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (at Royal Blackburn Hospital) (www.hospitalsineastlancs.nhs.uk)
- The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (at The Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital, Bury) (www.pat.nhs.uk)
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (at the Royal Preston Hospital) (www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk)
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (at Arrowe Park Hospital) (www.whnt.nhs.uk)
- Wirral Primary Care Trust (www.wirralpct.nhs.uk)
- The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust (www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk)
- Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust (www.mhsc.nhs.uk)
- 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust (www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk)
- The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust (www.rlbuht.nhs.uk)
Universities
- University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk)
- University of Liverpool (www.liv.ac.uk)
- University of Central Lancashire (www.uclan.ac.uk)
- Lancaster University (www.lancs.ac.uk)