Teesside NHS researchers contribute to COVID-19 breakthrough

Teesside NHS team leads successful research into COVID-19 treatment

Researchers at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have been instrumental in a major national trial.

By The Tees Editorial Desk · 3 July 2020

NHS research staff working in a hospital setting Image: Image: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation TrustOriginal source

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A local NHS team has played a role in a national trial, contributing to a breakthrough in COVID-19 . The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust was one of the top five performing sites in the country for patient recruitment to the 'Recovery' .

The trial identified that the steroid dexamethasone successfully reduced the risk of death by one-third for hospitalised patients requiring ventilation. Respiratory consultant Ben Prudon noted that the Trust has performed above expectations for an organisation of its size in delivering vital research.

Clinical research project manager Jill Deane praised the staff and patients for their participation in the study. She highlighted that the willingness of local patients to engage with the research has been essential in proving the effectiveness of the medication.

In addition to the Recovery trial, the team is working with NHS Blood and Transplant to coordinate convalescent plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients. NHS staff who have recovered from the virus and wish to donate can register via the national NHSBT website.

Archive : This story is based on reporting originally published by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust on 2020-07-03. The original source image has been and credited.