Research

The recent restructure of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University has led to the creation of three core Institutes: 

• Biosciences
• Translational and Clinical Research
• Population Health Sciences

Within these institutes there are several cross-cutting themes (Appendix 1). Those involved in congenital cardiac research in Newcastle have newly organised into the congenital heart disease (CHD) research group with members in all Institutes, but coming together under the theme of Reproduction, Development and Child Health. This group leads CHD research across the North East and North Cumbria-CHD Network. Clinicians hold honorary contracts appropriate to their level of involvement.

Dr Louise Coats (Clinical Intermediate Fellow; Honorary Consultant ACHD) is the Clinical and Administrative lead for the CHD research Group. The group now has a dedicated web presence (https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/congenitalhearts/) to link between themes, to wider cardiovascular research page, NHS and Network sites. The group recently contributed to Newcastle’s successful bid to form an Academic Health Science Partnership between Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust.

Meetings have almost exclusively been online this year in view of Covid 19. The group has held a successful seminar series with speakers ranging from students to international speakers covering basic science to applied health care research. Speakers have included Professor Kim Martinod, Professor Philip Moons, Professor Nigel Drury and Dr Laura Delaney.

Cardiac Morphology Meeting: A multidisciplinary meeting integrating basic science concepts and advances in anatomy and development with clinical imaging and intervention

Cardiac Development and Congenital Heart Disease Meeting Weekly Friday 1-2pm: Held each Friday in term time at the Institute of Genetic Medicine. Formal presentation of research, both clinical and laboratory based.

Business Research Meetings Friday 1-2pm 3 monthly: Updates on Restructuring, Funding and Other Initiatives relevant to group

Congenital Heart Disease Seminar Series Friday 1-2pm monthly

Clinical Journal Club Tuesday 8am

Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr-in-your-area/north-east-and-north-cumbria/) is hosted by Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and provides the infrastructure that allows high-quality health research to take place in our region, so that patients and the public can be involved in and benefit from better health and healthcare. 

• Study delivery teams to provide research support
• Education: Free GCP training for staff
• MedConNecT North – links with Industry/Tech etc

Over the course of the last year, we have developed strong links with the CRN cardiac research nurses who have supported Debbie McParlin in the delivery of the Approach II study (PI LC) and the Revival study (PI MN).