Testimonies from our PPI Partners

Addressing health inequality in randomised trials

Moderna, the company behind one of the UK’s COVID vaccines, has been speaking to members of under-served communities and others, including Aberdeen’s Prof Shaun Treweek and one of our public contributors, Noura El Masri, about how to address inequality in clinical trials.

This has led to an approach called ACT– Accessible; Convenient; Trusted – that Moderna will promote in its trials, as well as in discussion with others such as the UK Government and regulators. Both Noura and Shaun attended the Scottish launch event for ACT held at the Scottish Parliament on 12th March 2024. In the words of Noura:

“I was very happy when I got the invitation and excited for this chance and also the topic it is connected with the topics, we discuss at HSRU. It was an amazing meeting; I met many people from different backgrounds and different places in the UK. As well as I got to know that there is minister for women’s health in Scotland, which was interesting".

To read the full news item please click here.

HSRU (now ACE) summer intern Christine Manneh

Christine Manneh, a pharmacologist with personal patient experience from an ethnic minority, weighed in on the HSRU’s (now ACE) public engagement strategy during her summer internship, remarking:

“Having the perspective of a Black woman with a disability HSRU summer intern Christine Manneh offered me a unique point of view. Living with a chronic illness has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges that individuals like myself encounter within the healthcare system. Through this lens, I have gained an understanding not only of the medical complexities but also of the emotional and practical obstacles that often go unnoticed, particularly when involving and engaging with individuals like me. This outlook further ignited my determination to contribute to research endeavours that prioritise inclusivity and advocate for the voices of those who are frequently marginalised.”

For Christine's in-depth perspective, check out her blog.

Peter Flockhart from the HSRU's (now ACE) Public Involvement (PIP) group reflects on the HSRUK 2023 conference.

"When the opportunity to attend was sent out little did I know that it would be me, what did I expect, I suppose that I thought that I would be able to hide in the background with all these clever academic people. Not so I was made very welcome with lots of smiles when you went from one session to another. I believe that I will feel more at ease in this academic environment moving forward. Yes, it was full-on and very long days but then again you learn very quickly to become a human ‘sponge’. Some of the sessions I found to be very good and even included PPI [Patient and Public Involvement] and of course, there was always the opportunity to ask questions at the end."

To read the full conversation between Magda and Peter click here.

What it's like to be involved in implementation research: a personal testimony by Mike Melvin

"It was fantastic to be part of the ACORN research team which considered asynchronous consultations in the NHS. The research has produced significant findings that are of great relevance and interest (e.g.: for the NHS, to public health, policymakers, researchers, academics, the general public). The research has further made an important contribution to advancing knowledge, understanding and shaping digital responses for healthcare. I also greatly enjoyed being part of the team, bringing a public perspective, the tremendous collaboration that the research involved – University of Aberdeen/HSRU, NHS Grampian, public/community engagement and involvement. The research has made (and continues to make) a real difference. I have learnt so much during my involvement with this research as well and I would likewise encourage anyone to get involved in future research-public input is always vital for research and greatly appreciated."

To read Mike's full testimony, click here.

Mike Melvin, HSRU Public Involvement Partnership group member