Getting in Touch

Primary Care Research Network
East Midlands & South Yorkshire
Co-ordinating Centre
6th Floor, St John's House
30 East Street
Leicester LE1 6NB

E. judith.martin@emsy.nhs.uk
T. 0116 295 4080
F. 0116 295 4177

Links > NRNL

Working together: The Nottinghamshire Research Network Link

NRNL is to be a supportive forum in which best practice can be shared and collaborative working embraced

There is a need to establish links between the active research networks in Nottinghamshire. A similar group, the Lincolnshire Research Network Link, has been established in Lincolnshire and proved to be a vital component in raising awareness of portfolio research across the region.

Purpose

The group would allow members to communicate, within the primary and secondary networks as single bodies and in collaboration with each other, particularly when studies are to be conducted using a shared system or resource. It is hoped that such a group would cover most topics within the specialism of research and development.

It is acknowledged that group members experience similar complications within their roles and that sharing these issues within the proposed NRNL would result in speedier and more productive resolution.

The meetings would be open and informal. This would enable those with particular interests and/or availability to attend when needed. The meetings may be opened from time to time to include other healthcare professionals who require information or support. This approach to meetings would ensure that information sharing is broad spectrum. Members would be able to gain an understanding of others' perspectives.

Objectives

One of the groups primary objectives would be to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to the local delivery of the DHs Best Research for Best Health strategy. The NRNL could also be seen as a resource for anyone needing support, advice or just wishing to share relevant research information. Indeed, shared information can only be seen as a benefit to all concerned, although the onus remains on individual group members to ensure that any information disseminated is factually correct and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Members of the NRNL should intend to raise the profile of portfolio research, and as an additional benefit, members' profiles and those of the employers will also receive wider attention.

Membership

This would be informal and non-exclusive. Membership can be extended to anyone working in the clinical research area within Nottinghamshire. However, it is anticipated that the groups activities are most likely to be of interest to research network staff and those involved in research governance.

As this group is not intended to have a strategic remit, it is not necessary to specify a quorate number of attendees.

Meeting calendar

Bi-monthly. Next meeting booked in advance.

Location

A venue deemed convenient by group members or venues that could be rotated (ie, each member to take turns hosting meetings).

Record of meetings

Minutes will be taken on a voluntary basis by an attendee of the meeting.

Initially, minutes would be circulated to meeting attendees for approval and amendment. Minutes will then be distributed via email to all stakeholders who legitimately require a copy. Feedback can then be discussed at the next meeting.

Introduction of information

Information and topics for discussion can be tabled at any meeting or sent via group members prior to a meeting on an ad-hoc basis. Matters will be addressed if adequate time is available during that meeting, otherwise an alternative date and time for discussion will be agreed.