Cardiff and Vale research team shortlisted for Team of the Year award

A Welsh research delivery team, formed during the pandemic at University Hospital of Llandough, were shortlisted for Team of the Year at the Nursing Times Awards, a ceremony celebrating the achievements of nurses from across the UK.

The team was created to contribute to global knowledge around COVID-19, and to make sure patients at the hospital had access to potentially life-saving clinical trials.

At the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 studies in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were only taking place at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Zoe Hilton, Senior Research Nurse, who helped build the team, said: “We worked hard to set up a robust new team from scratch in order to give every patient admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 the opportunity to receive potentially life-saving treatment and be part of research helping us understand the best medication and care for patients.

“It was daunting at first, as we were in the midst of a global pandemic, but we knew we had to find the time, resources and a base quickly. It was challenging but as result of sheer teamwork we were recruiting to studies within a week.”

The team of 10, which includes research nurses and research officers, recruited almost 130 patients to the RECOVERY trial,  a vital study testing if existing or new drugs can help patients hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19. The study has found a number of treatments for the virus with the help of the Llandough team, including a low-cost steroid (dexamethasone) which reduces death by up to one third in those with severe respiratory complications.

Zoe, who nominated the team for this award, continued: “It’s been very emotional and tiring but the team always go above and beyond. The team’s efforts have resulted in a permanent, expanding, enthusiastic research delivery team which has inspired a whole new group of clinicians to undertake Clinical research.

“To have been the only Welsh team recognised is an achievement in itself. It’s an honour to be part of the team. I’d like to say a massive thank you to them, from myself and from the patients who’ve lives they’ve saved.”

Taking place last night (27 October) at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, the awards brought together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent in the profession and recognise those making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.

The Team of the Year category recognises teams who have undertaken projects that demonstrate the value of teamwork in improving a service.

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support & Delivery, Health and Care Research Wales which oversees all COVID-19 research in Wales, said: “Research teams like the University Hospital of Llandough Delivery Team have been vital over the last 18 months to the set-up and delivery of critical COVID-19 research. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their outstanding efforts ensuring patients across all parts of the NHS have access to the research underway. Congratulations to Zoe and the team, this is a fantastic achievement.”

Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales, said: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to the team at the University Hospital of Llandough for their incredible work during the pandemic.”

“It’s extremely important to recognise the tireless efforts of research staff across Wales and we couldn’t be prouder.”

For more information on COVID-19 research studies, visit our COVID-19 webpages.