Meet the Research and Development Team | James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Meet the Research and Development Team

Meet the Team

Senior Research Management & Clinical Management Team

Helen Hall - Head of Research

Helen Hall

I started my journey with JPUH R&D in June 2018 after transitioning from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where I took on the role of research grants advisor. In this position, I focused on fostering local research initiatives and assisting with grant applications for NIHR and other funding sources. I was excited to be appointed Head of Research and Development in March 2024, and I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to lead and support our fantastic team in expanding our research portfolio. At home, I live with my husband and two dogs, and I have a passion for live music festivals and watching crime dramas on television.

Fun fact: I am a massive fan of Jessica Fletcher and Columbo.

Helen is based in the Burrage Centre. Helen’s email address is Helen.Hall@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453478.

Sarah Girling - Lead Research Set-up Specialist

I joined the trust in 1999, having previously worked at the Ipswich Hospital. Then, in 2016, I joined the James Paget R&D department, in the role of R&D facilitator. I have various qualifications in administration, previously worked in the roles of Medical Secretary for Prof. Ben Burton, and then went on to become a Medical Secretary Manager.

My role involves managing the R&D office and facilitating clinical trials.

Fun fact; 'I have two cats named Dolly and Dave and I am an active member of ‘The Pop Choir’.

Sarah is based in the Burrage Centre. Sarah’s email address is sarah.girling@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453120.

Helen Sutherland - Senior Clinical Research Nurse

Helen Sutherland

I joined JPUH in 2001 and have worked in emergency theatre for 16 years, covering all specialities and disease areas; I particularly enjoyed obstetrics. I joined the research team in 2017 as a Research Support Nurse working on observational research studies in gastroenterology and neurology. I was promoted to Clinical Research Nurse in 2019 and my work focused on gastroenterology where we built a large portfolio of interventional, commercial and other studies for our local patient population.

I was promoted to Senior Clinical Research Nurse in 2021 and I manage and support the multispecialty team. I currently work on studies in gastroenterology, hepatology, emergency care and ophthalmology.

Helen is based in the Senior Research Nurses, Paediatric and Midwifery Research Office. Helen’s email address is helen.sutherland@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453853.

Christian Hacon - Senior Clinical Research Nurse

Christian Hacon - Multi-speciality Nurse

I currently work as a Senior Research Nurse supporting and managing the Cancer Research Team. I’ve worked within the Research team since 2014 focusing mainly on Stroke, Neurology, Renal and Covid-19 studies. I have also worked on studies in critical care, diabetes, dermatology and gastroenterology. Previously I worked as a Renal Nurse in the Renal Unit within the Trust and I am also a Health & Wellbeing champion for the James Paget.

Christian is based in the Burrage Centre Office. Christian’s email address is Christian.Hacon@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453113.

Amanda Ayers - Senior Clinical Research Nurse

Amanda Ayers

I first joined the James Paget University Hospital in 1987 as a student nurse and qualified in 1991. In 2016, I took on the role as full time Research Nurse for East Coast Community Healthcare where I assisted four GP surgeries to become research active. In 2018, I took on the role as flexible workforce research nurse for CRN Eastern.

I joined the JPUH as a full time Clinical Trial Research Nurse working on renal and cancer studies. I was promoted to Senior Clinical Research nurse in 2021 and am continuing to work on Renal studies.

I have a background in Renal and Primary care and worked for seven years as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.

Amanda is based in the Senior Research Nurses, Paediatric and Midwifery Research Office.

Amanda’s email address is amanda.ayers@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453853.

Research Management Team

Sophie Rose - Research Set-up Specialist

Sophie Rose

I joined the JPUH Research Team in July 2019, and I graduated from the UEA in the same year with a degree in Politics and Media. In previous jobs, I worked in customer care and complaints and before that, I was Woody Bear at Pleasurewood Hills!

My fun fact is that I played for Norwich City FC for five years as a child.

Sophie is based in the Burrage Centre. Sophie’s email address is Sophie.Rose@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453113.

Charlotte Kelly - Research Set-up Specialist

I joined the JPUH Research team in November 2021 as a Research Set-up Specialist.

Charlotte is based in the Burrage Centre.

Charlotte’s email address is Charlotte.Kelly@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453736.

Rhia Morley - Research Administrator

Rhia Morley

I joined the department in 2016 as the Research & Development Administrator, but have been in the NHS since 2010 after completing an NVQ Apprenticeship in Business Administration and studying Health and Social care.

My background is working within the public sector in Sexual Health and Contraception. I love the variety that Research offers.

Rhia is based in the Burrage Centre. Rhia’s email address is rhia.morley@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453113.

Montana Boast - Research Administrator

Montana Boast

I joined the Research and Development department in 2022 as a R&D Administrator.

I have been in the NHS since 2021 in co-ordinating roles for different departments. Before working for the NHS, I worked in a salon for 10 years doing; reception work, hairdressing, managing and teaching apprentices their NVQ qualifications.

Montana is based in the Burrage Centre. Montana’s email address is Montana.Boast@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453113.

Vitalija Remeikiene - Research Accountant

I joined the Research & Development Department at James Paget University Hospital in January 2023. My role as Research Accountant is to provide financial and statistical information within the Research & Development Department and to liaise with the Management Accounts team.

I am dedicated to contributing to the success of the Trusts Research & Development initiatives. I believe in the importance of giving back to the community, and I strive to make a positive impact through my work.

Vitalija works in the Burrage Centre. Vitalija`s email address is; Vitalija.remeikiene@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453120.

Ophthalmology Research Team

Katie O'Brien - Multispecialty Clinical Research Nurse

Katie O'Brien

I have been qualified for over 20 years, with 10 spent in Paediatric Oncology. I started my research career in 2017 at the University of Oxford in Vaccinology before moving in to primary care. I joined the James Paget research team in December 2023 where I am the clinical research nurse for Ophthalmology.

Katie is based in the Ophthalmology Research Office.

Katie’s email address is Katie.O'Brien@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453606.

Ayden Ash - Multispecialty Clinical Research Support AHP

Ayden is an Allied Health Professional (AHP) supporting the research team.

Ayden is based in the Ophthalmology Research Office - telephone number is 01493 453605.

Cancer Research Team

Wendy Harrison - Cancer Clinical Research Nurse

Wendy Harrison

I joined JPUH R&D in November 2016 after ten years as a chemotherapy nurse on Ward 17. I have also spent some time as a Resuscitation Officer. My role as a clinical research nurse involves approaching patients to join a clinical trial, which could be a drug trials or a questionnaire. I then follow the patients through their research journey.

My current focus of interest is setting up research nurse led clinics for our Oncology patients.

Wendy is based in the Burrage Centre. Wendy’s email address is Wendy.Harrison@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453492.

Amy Garrod - Data Manager

I joined the James Paget R&D Department in June 2016 in the role of Data Manager for Cancer Research. I have a BSc in Animal Behaviour and previously worked in the roles of Down’s Syndrome Screening Assistant and Pathology Project Coordinator at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.
My role involves submitting paper and electronic data collected for Haematology & Oncology trials, answering data queries, maintaining investigator site files, archiving, and acting as an EDGE Administrator for the wider R&D team.

I live at home with my two children, partner, our two cats and two dogs!

Amy is based in the Burrage Centre. Amy’s email address is amy.garrod@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453492

Maria Ribeiro-Alves - Cancer Research Nurse

Maria Alves

My name is Maria Alves and I joined the James Paget Hospital in 2014 as an Adult Nurse. Initially, I worked on Ward 9 which was a female surgical ward. I really liked my experience as a surgical nurse but then, after a few years, the whole team had to move to Ward 7 to support the team from Ward 15 with the respiratory patients. Although I enjoyed learning more about respiratory diseases and all the treatments associated, after two years I decided that I needed a new challenge and went to the maternity ward. I stayed there for three years where I took care of patients antenatally and postnatally but essentially when we had a poorly patient that needed nursing care more than a midwifery care.

Maria is based in the Burrage Centre. Maria’s email address is Maria.Ribeiro-Alves@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453856.

Multi Specialty Nursing Team

Darylile Guledew - Mutli-specialty Research Nurse

I joined the JPUH in 2015 as a theatre nurse and moved to the R&D team in 2019 as a clinical trials research nurse multispecialty.

I have worked in the Ophthalmology research team delivering both commercial (clinical trials of medicines and medical devices) and non–commercial studies before joining the multispecialty research team full time in 2021. Currently, I support colorectal surgery studies, orthopaedics and peri-operative care.

Darylile is based in the Multi-speciality office. Darylile’s email address is Darylile.Guledew@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453608.

Jane Woods - Multi-speciality Nurse

My first two research studies were in 2002 and 2006 when I was in Coronary Care Unit.

I joined Research full time in 2010. My background is in Cardiology and ENT and I now work full time running ENT studies across the Trust. I completed a Research in Practice degree module and regularly support ENT teaching regionally for CRN Eastern.

Jane is based in the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility. Jane’s email address is Jane.Woods@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453629.

Katherine Mackintosh - Multi-speciality Nurse

I joined JPUH in 2016 having been part of the NHS since 1994. I have worked in trauma and orthopaedics; infection control and ophthalmology and I have a particular interest in the use of external fixation devices and in tissue viability.

I joined the research team in 2016 as an ophthalmology research nurse working on observational and interventional studies in age related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

I am now based within the Multi-speciality team where my work is focused on rheumatology and peri operative care. I am also currently the Covid study lead.

Katherine is based in Ophthalmology Research Office. Katherine’s email address is; Katherine.Mackintosh@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453605.

Julie North - Multi-speciality Nurse

I joined the James Paget in 2003 and have specialised in critical care working as an ICU Nurse, Critical Care Outreach Sister and ICU Sister before joining the research team in the summer of 2017.

Since July 2019, I am pleased to undertake a dual role, leading on research in ICU and as a Senior Sister in ICU.

Working this dual role has proved to be an excellent opportunity to promote Research in ICU to patients, families and staff.

Julie works one day a week in research office and two on ICU, days variable. Julie’s email address is julie.north@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453320.

Sandeep Thambi - Clinical Research Assistant

Working in the medical field for over a decade I have really become passionate about clinical research. I enjoy that every day is a different day and that I am constantly learning new things.

I joined the department in 2023 as a Clinical Research Assistant. I support the Multi-Speciality team, Cancer team, Paediatric team and Ophthalmology team.

Sandeep is based in the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility. Sandeep’s email address is; Sandeep.Thambi@jpaget.nhs.uk and his telephone number is 01493 453320.

Kevin Howard - Clinical Trials Research Nurse

I joined the JPUH in 2005, after completing my university nursing course. I started working within theatre environments as a surgical scrub nurse within orthopaedics. As a surgical scrub nurse I have undertaken many roles and specialities which include Recovery, Urology, General Surgery and Colorectal. During my time working as a recovery nurse I was enabled to have a more holistic evaluation of patient care, which encompasses airway management, acute pain and post-operative complications. This has made me acutely aware of the importance of communication between teams who look after individuals in the peri-operative setting.

I joined the R&D Department in 2022 for a brief secondment, which led to me accepting a full time position which will enhance my appreciation of the patient journey during disease. I also believe in the benefits and advantages of patient involvement in research.

Kevin is based in the Multi-Specialty Office. Kevin’s email address is; kevin.howard@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453855.

Martine Foyster - Ophthalmology Clinical Research Practitioner

Martine Foyster

I have worked in theatres at the James Paget Hospital for 17 years, covering all specialities. I joined the research team in 2023.

Martine is based in the Clinical Research Facility. Martine’s email address is Martine.Foyster@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453439.

Midwifery

Tori Brown

I started at JPUH as a student midwife in 2019 and, since qualifying in 2022, I have mainly worked as a continuity midwife covering Antenatal, Intrapartum and Postnatal care.

I started my role in research in October 2024 working with Maria Alves to start to grow our Midwifery research portfolio. My aim is to increase research awareness in the core maternity team.

Tori is based in the Senior Research Nurses, Paediatric and Midwifery Research Office..

Tori’s email address is Victoria.Brown3@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453856.

Paediatric Research Team

Lynsey Felton - Paediatric Research Nurse

Lynsey Felton

I joined the JPUH Research Team in August 2017 as a Paediatric Clinical Research Nurse, a job share with Donna Griffiths.

I had previously worked in the JPUH as a Paediatric Staff Nurse on the Children’s Ward since September 2000, and still have regular shifts there.

Since being in post we have helped to make the paediatric department more aware of research, now branching out into surgical studies.

Our aim is to embed research into paediatrics and make it a normal part of everyday care.

Lynsey is based in the Senior Research Nurses, Paediatric and Midwifery Research Office. Lynsey’s email address is Lynsey.Felton@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 452682.

Donna Griffiths - Paediatric Research Nurse

I qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2001. I have worked on the Children’s Ward here at JPUH since then, and branched into paediatric research in August 2017. Alongside my colleague Lynsey Felton, we organise the set up and running of a number of paediatric studies across all specialities. By integrating both of these roles, my aim is to deliver the very best healthcare for children and their families.

Donna is based in the Senior Research Nurses, Paediatric and Midwifery Research Office.

Donna’s email address is Donna.Griffiths@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 452682.

Pharmacy Clinical Trials Team

Judith Smith - Pharmacy Clinical Trials Technician

After working in community pharmacy for 12 years, I joined the JPUH in 2003 in the Pharmacy department as a Pharmacy Technician. I started working as a Clinical Trials Technician in 2008 alongside working in the pharmacy department.
I have been involved in many studies over 16 years. It is a role which I enjoy, as it is nice to be involved with the research team.

Judith is based in the pharmacy department. Judith’s email address is; judith.smith@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453273.

Sam Richards - Pharmacist

Sam Richards

I joined the James Paget in 2019 working as part of the clinical team on the wards for over 18 months. I joined the research team in April 2021 as part of a split role with our production unit, that makes chemotherapy.

I got involved in research due to the extent of research for Covid-19. On the wards and intensive care many patients were on clinical trials for Covid-19. My role in research is to review the study and ensure it is feasible and the medication can be safely given. I usually work closely with the lead nurse to ensure processes are in place for everything to work smoothly.

Sam is based in the pharmacy department - email Samantha.Richards@jpaget.nhs.uk or telephone 01493 453273.

Supporting Departments Research Team Members

Pharmacy team

Sam Richards - Clinical Trials and Formulary Pharmacist

Judith Smith - Pharmacy Technician

Oncology team

Dr Sue Down – Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon/Breast Surgery Clinical Lead

Dr May Han – Acting Consultant in Medical Oncology

Dr Sandy Leeper – Consultant Breast Surgeon

Dr Robert Wade – Consultant Oncologist

Dr Sarah Downey – Consultant General Surgeon

Dr David Maskell - Consultant Oncologist

Dr Vamsi Kota - Consultant Oncologist

Haematology team

Dr Roberto Garcia Consuegra – Consultant Haematologist

Dr David Sparksman - Consultant Haematologist

Dr Dino Kyaw Zin Maw - Consultant Haematologist

Dr Roslin Zuha - Consultant Haematologist

Radiology Team

Rosie Davey - Head of CT/MRI

Christopher Ellis - Deputy Head of CT/MRI

Pathology Team

Bryan DeChavez - Phlebotomist/CSA Supervisor/Trainer

Christopher Sylvester - Business Support Manager

Michelle Frost - Chief Biomedical Scientist (NNUH)