Volunteers can now join the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) BioResource, which has recently launched in the Centre for Rare Diseases (CfRD) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

The BioResource will form part of a national database, which has already recruited more than 140,000 people across the country.

Anyone can join the BioResource, with recruitment involving an initial interview to find out information about health, lifestyle and family histories, as well as the collection of blood samples.

The BioResource team at QEHB are led by Humeira Hafsa, Clinical Trials Coordinator and Farfia Capper, Senior Research Sister.

“I’d encourage anyone who is interested in bringing new treatments into the NHS more quickly to consider joining the BioResource”, said Humeira.

“We know that identifying and recruiting volunteers and patients can traditionally take a long time, so the BioResource will really help in progressing trials more quickly.

“By joining, you will be helping researchers investigate and understand more about common diseases.”

Participant information sheets are available for common conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. 

The large database of volunteers means that research can be completed quickly and effectively, with BioResource participants asked if they would like to take part in suitable studies/trials, based on their genes (genotype) and physical characteristics (phenotypes).

The NIHR BioResource builds on the success of the BioResource for Rare Diseases, which has been recruiting volunteers at the CfRD since summer 2018.

The NIHR BioResource has been established through a national partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, building on the expertise of NIHR Biomedical Research Centres and NIHR Clinical Research Facilities.

Across England, there are currently 13 NIHR BioResource centres, which recruit more than 50,000 new participants each year.

If you would like to join the NIHR BioResource, please contact Michelle Grinham, CfRD Clinic Support Manager.

Tel: 0121 371 8085
Email: Michelle.Grinham@uhb.nhs.uk