Have you or a loved one had surgery for skin cancer?

Help researchers understand how effective it is to prescribe antibiotics to patients after skin cancer surgery to help prevent infection.

 What experience do I need to help?

 You will need:

• to have personal experience of skin cancer surgery, as a patient, carer or relative
• to share experiences with the team
• strong communication skills
• an understanding of challenges faced by people undergoing treatment for skin cancer

More information

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Every year in the UK around 200,000 people have their skin cancer removed surgically.

Some skin cancer breaks through the skin which can lead to infection. Around 50% of the time, doctors prescribe antibiotics at the time of surgery to prevent infections.

However, using more antibiotics than is needed may lead to patients having unnecessary side effects which can lead to the bacteria causing the infection becoming resistant to antibiotics.

This study will investigate if giving antibiotics to patients after surgery is beneficial.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to attend meetings, review and provide feedback on documents relating to the study.

You will also act as a ‘critical friend’ by offering patient-centred insights to the research team.

How long will I be needed for?

You will be involved for around three years. You will need to attend a 90-minute meeting approximately every six months.  

Before each meeting you will need to review documents for one to two hours.

What are some of the benefits for me?

Benefits to you:

• Be part of a research project that directly impacts healthcare outcomes and patient experiences
• Gain experience contributing to clinical research and influencing study design and delivery

Our team will: 

• Cover reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs,
• Offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits). 

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this.

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

What support is offered?

Training will be provided as required, and a designated contact person will be available for guidance and support.

How do I apply?

Complete the online form and tell us how you meet the required experience. 

Not sure how to complete the online form or would you like to discuss an opportunity further?

Then the team can help you, contact us by email to set up a chat. 

Access to any information you share with us is secure, restricted and dealt with confidentially. 

What happens next.

If your application fits the required experience, it will be sent to the project lead.

We will contact you with updates on the progress of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email or call 02920 230 457.