Are patient co-authors an equal part in the research team?

The short answer is NO and there needs to be a big changes for that to happen. I have actually written this blog post twice. The first incarnation was me getting my feelings off my chest but I decided not to post it as it would not be helpful to anyone. Instead I have decided… Continue reading Are patient co-authors an equal part in the research team?

Leaving the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research

7 years ago I had the privilege of being invited to join the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR). At the time I had no idea what I was getting in to. I had no idea what patient and public involvement (PPI) in research was and to be honest was a little daunted at… Continue reading Leaving the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research

Let’s Get Positive!!

The world is full of negativity just now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is naturally a scary time with uncertainty about what the future holds. We don't have the ability to plan going forward as no one knows when the restrictions we have in place will be lifted. Normally around this time of year… Continue reading Let’s Get Positive!!

Doing PPI Virtually

2020 has been a really challenging year for everyone. After the initial worry of COVID-19 was over I then started to think about what I would do while we waited for the pandemic to be over. The government advised those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to shield and protect ourselves from the virus. Shielding meant… Continue reading Doing PPI Virtually

BLF-AUK Respiratory Action Plan Meeting

I was recently at the first event since the partnership of  Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. It was fantastic to see BLF colleagues with the Asthma UK logo on their name badges alongside the BLF logo. Also being welcomed with open arms too was lovely. I was a bit daunted to attend this… Continue reading BLF-AUK Respiratory Action Plan Meeting

Patient Centricity

For the past 5/6 years I have been given some fantastic opportunities and invited to be part of a number of very special events and a few events which are still to come. Yesterday was one of those events. Rewind 6 years and I would never even have thought I would be at ease public… Continue reading Patient Centricity

Asthma Death in Children

There is so much research into asthma just now looking at a cure for asthma, better management, getting asthmatics to comply with treatment better but research into asthma death, often a taboo subject to talk about is vital to make any change in the shocking asthma statistics. Ann an children's asthma nurse specialist is also… Continue reading Asthma Death in Children

Critical Care does PPI

Tuesday evening I had a fantastic time. It was the first meeting for the Critical Care Patient and Public Involvement Group in Edinburgh. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Scotland is no where near as organised as it is in England and funding is woeful, so to establish and run a group is a huge… Continue reading Critical Care does PPI