Meet the team
Senior Research Management
Claire Whitehouse - Clinical Director for Research and Development
Helen Hall - Head of Research and Development
I joined JPUH R&D from the East of England Ambulance service NHS Trust in June 2018, initially taking the position of research grants advisor, which included developing and encouraging home grown research and supporting grant applications for NIHR and other funding streams.
I'm a CLAHRC fellow 2018, HCPC registered paramedic and CAHPR committee member.
Fun fact: I am a massive fan of Jessica Fletcher and Columbo.
Helen is based in the Burrage Centre (Monday-Friday). 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 Rock Choir’.
Sarah is based in the Burrage Centre (works Tuesday-Friday, and every second Monday). Sarah’s email address is sarah.girling@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453120.
Clinical Management Team
Helen Sutherland - Senior Clinical Research Nurse
I joined JPUH in 2001 and have worked in emergency theatre for 16 years, covering all specialities and disease areas; I had a particular interest in 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 am continuing working on gastroenterology studies.
Helen splits her time between the Burrage Centre and the Multispecialty Office (works Monday-Friday). Helen’s email address is helen.sutherland@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453878.
Amanda Ayers - Senior Clinical Research Nurse
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.
Recently I have 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 Practioner in Primary Care.
Amanda is based in the Burrage Centre (works Tuesday-Friday). Amanda’s email address is amanda.ayers@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453878
Research Management Team
Sophie Rose - Research Set-up Specialist
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 (works Monday-Wednesday & Friday). Sophie’s email address is Sophie.Rose@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453113.
Charlotte Kelly - Research Set-up Specialist
Charlotte is based in the Burrage Centre (works Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday).
Charlotte’s email address is Charlotte.Kelly@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453736.
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 support to the Head of Research & Development.
My personal experience has inspired me to use my financial expertise to support the medical community. With my attention to detail and collaboration skills, 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 (works Monday-Wednesday). Vitalija`s email address is Vitalija.Remeikiene@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453120.
Rhia Morley - Research Administrator
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. My fun fact would be that I'm a 'Friends' fanatic.
Rhia is based in the Burrage Centre (works Tuesday-Friday). Rhia’s email address is rhia.morley@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453113.
Montana Boast - Research Administrator
I joined the department in 2022 as a Research & Development Administrator covering maternity leave for one year. 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, hairdressing, managing and teaching apprentices their NVQ qualifications.
Montana is based in the Burrage Centre (works alternative Monday’s and Tuesday’s).
Montana’s email address is Montana.Boast@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone is 01493 453113.
Cancer Research Team
Wendy Harrison - Cancer Clinical Research Nurse
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 (works Monday-Thursday). Wendy’s email address is Wendy.Harrison@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453492.
Maria Ribeiro-Alves - Cancer Research Nurse
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 from Monday-Friday. Maria’s email address is Maria.Ribeiro-Alves@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453856.
Cherry White - Cancer Research Nurse
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!
Multi Specialty Nursing Team
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 (works Monday, Tuesday, Thursday). Jane’s email address is jane.woods@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453629.
Christian Hacon - Multi-speciality Nurse
I’ve worked within the Research team since 2014 focusing mainly on Stroke, Neurology and Dermatology studies.
I have also worked on studies in critical care, diabetes and gastroenterology. I work in partnership with the consultants and specialist stroke nurses of the stroke ward in setting up studies, screening and recruiting participants.
Previously I worked as a Renal Nurse in the Renal Unit within the Trust and I am also a Health & Wellbeing champion for the Trust.
Christian is based in the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility (works Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday). Christian’s email address is Christian.Hacon@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453439.
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 the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility (works Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday). Katherine’s email address is Katherine.Mackintosh@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 452744.
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. In the role of a multi-disciplinary Research Nurse, I have led on studies in a variety of areas, including ICU. From July 2019, I am excited to undertake a dual role, leading on research in ICU and a management position as a Senior Sister in ICU. I am looking forward to my new roles enhancing research activity and opportunities for patients, families and staff. This is with the aim of improving patient outcomes and wellbeing of patients, families and staff.
Julie is based in the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility (works one day a week in research). Julie’s email address is julie.north@jpaget.nhs.uk.
Darylile Guledew - Mutli-specialty Research Nurse
Darylile currently supports Ophthalmology Research. Darylile also supports orthopedics, colorectal surgery studies and peri-operative care.
Darylile is based in the multi-speciality office in the Clinical Research Facility (works Monday & Wednesday-Friday). Darylile’s email address is Darylile.Guledew@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453607.
Katie O'Brien - Multi-specialty Clinical Research Nurse
Katie is based in the Clinical Research Facility (works Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Katie’s email address is Katie.O'Brien@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453856.
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. Working Tuesday—Friday, 07:30 –17:00. Kevin’s email address is kevin.howard@jpaget.nhs.uk and telephone number is 01493 453855.
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. (works Monday-Friday). Sandeep’s email address is Sandeep.Thambi@jpaget.nhs.uk and his telephone number is 01493 453320.
Ophthalmology Research Team
Martine Foyster - Ophthalmology Clinical Research Practitioner
Martine is based in the Clinical Research Facility (works Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Martine’s email address is Martine.Foyster@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453607.
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 11 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 (works Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Friday). Judith’s email address is judith.smith@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 453273.
Samantha Fisher - Pharmacist
Paediatric Research Team
Lynsey Felton - Paediatric Research Nurse
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 as well.
Since being in post we have made the paediatric department more aware of research, now commencing our third peanut desensitisation study, commencing our second diabetic study and being part of the UK Childhood ITP Registry with lots more studies coming our way.
Lynsey is based on the ground floor in Southside (works Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Friday). 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 on the ground floor in Southside (works Tuesday-Friday). Donna’s email address is Donna.Griffiths@jpaget.nhs.uk and her telephone number is 01493 452682.