I have been a consultant Kidney specialist since 2013 and a Director of Research and Development at Dartford and Gravesham NHS trust since 2019. I have completed my post graduate training from South London and obtained my research MD from St. George’s Medical School University of London. My research interest lies in actively investigating some of the processes that drive diseases of blood vessels and ways to optimise health in patients with kidney disease.
Medicine is a constant scientific exploration to understand how diseases affect us and investigate their treatments. I truly believe in delivering patient-centered research studies that has the potential to improve health and overall wellbeing of our local population. To achieve this we need your help. Please do ask your health provider next time you visit our hospitals if there are any studies that the trust is currently participating that might be pertinent to you.
Thank you.
Dr. Nihil Chitalia
Consultant Nephrologist
Director of Research and Development
Managing the Research and Development functions of the department includes ensuring that the research portfolio is balanced and includes a mix of studies that bring new drugs, devices, technologies, diagnostic testing, understands the impact on quality of life for patients with particular diseases or taking particular drugs, testing NHS pathways, all of which must be relevant to our local patient population.
Each new study is reviewed for capacity and capability which means that assurance is given that we have patients/participants that would be eligible for the trial and that the trust has the equipment, staffing, services and processes in place to deliver the study in compliance with all legal, regulatory and funder requirements. If appropriate the costing of the study is reviewed and negotiated directly with the sponsor before the contract is agreed and signed by the trust signatory.
Through the lifecycle of the study which involves set-up, recruitment, close-out and archive process ensure that all are conducted within the terms of the ethical approval and the NHS capacity and capability confirmation. All records are accurate, timely and reflect the patient/participant research journey so that the safety and wellbeing of people taking part in studies are protected and that research data is reliable.
Bridget Fuller
I am a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in adult nursing and clinical research. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Research from King's College London, where I led an empirical study on the feasibility of a mobile health app for remotely monitoring hypertension during pregnancy. This experience allowed me to contribute to breaking down barriers in clinical trial participation and to explore innovative approaches for involving hard-to-reach populations.
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, clinical trials are crucial in providing the evidence needed to drive innovation. As the Lead Research Nurse at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, I am responsible for assessing the feasibility, capacity, and capability of potential trials. My role ensures that all necessary documentation is meticulously prepared, enabling our team to conduct trials safely and competently while adhering to stringent guidelines and regulations. My mission is to embed best practices and uphold rigorous standards in clinical trial delivery within our Trust, ensuring that our trials truly benefit the community and patient populations we serve.
With a deep commitment to promoting inclusivity in clinical research, I also serve as the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Lead for our Trust. In this role, I work closely with the NIHR PPIE Lead for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and collaborate with research champions across the region. I am passionate about advocating for the increased participation of underserved communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, and other minority populations, in ground-breaking research initiatives.
Angela Agore
Research is the driving force behind specialised care given to patients. Research ensures that patients are given the best possible care while minimising risk of complications. Roles of a research nurse are diverse and many. They include recruiting patients into clinical trials in line with good clinical practice and research governance,, working with other departments and clinical trials units to ensure smooth running of research studies, organising patient screening, treatment and follow up as required in line with study protocol(s). Additionally, research nurses also ensure that study documents such as case report forms and patient case notes are kept up to date and contain accurate data. They are patients' advocates and act as point of contact for patients both during and after trials.
Charlotte Kamundi Louise Lacey Prasanna Patlola
The role of a Clinical Trials Practitioner is to support research across clinical specialities. This is achieved by identifying patients eligible for research projects, and recruiting patients into trials. The Clinical Trials Practitioner provides information and support for patients involved in research projects. The role has the responsibility of ensuring patient’s treatments, assessments, follow ups and data collection; this is all co-ordinated according to the study protocol.
The role requires an active promotion of research amongst clinicians, service users and the wider NHS. Strong interpersonal skills are required for the role with a familiarity of the structure and organisation of services in the NHS.
Carmel Stuart Tracy Edmunds
Accredited Clinical Research Practitioner
Clinical Research Practitioner Advocate
The role of the Clinical Trials Administrator is to support the smooth set up and day to day running of research studies, working independently across the Trust. This includes being involved in all meetings with the research team, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to understand the trials that we are supporting and disseminate this information to colleagues across the Trust. Therefore, knowledge of all clinical trials that the Trust is participating in is essential.
Day to day tasks include the timely collection, co-ordination and submission of data, the completion of national and local regulatory documents and maintenance of a clear audit trail in accordance with national and local requirements. Communication with trial sponsors, monitors and the wider research community, maintaining both paper and electronic records to support the team.
Naomi Oakley Ryan Coe
Lead by the Director of Pharmacy (Chief Pharmacist) a dedicated team of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants are responsible for providing the Clinical Trial Pharmacy Service.
The Clinical Trial Pharmacy Service has a responsibility to safeguard patients, staff and the Trust when as an organisation we participate in a Clinical Trial which involves medication.
The Clinical Trials Pharmacy Team makes sure that the medication used in a Clinical Trial is appropriate and when we order, store and use this medication it is in accordance with UK regulations, manufacturer’s instructions and the trial protocol.