Learn more about age group 8-12
You may be joining us to help us with our research. Biomedical research is about understanding how our bodies work. Clinical research helps us to understand how medicines and treatments work in our bodies.
We ask children to take part because their bodies are different from adults. It is important that we know how treatments might work in children not just adults.
If you take part in research here, then your mum, dad, guardian or carer, can stay with you so you won’t be on your and we have a dedicated research ward for children’s and young people.
You would be cared for by friendly doctors, nurses and researchers who will look after you and will answer any of your questions.
We have lots of toys, books and computers you can play with here whilst our researchers are looking after you so you won’t be bored! Have a look through our website and see what taking part in research in Cambridge is like.
We want to thank you for taking part in research. Without you we can’t find new medicines to help other people. We look forward to seeing you and remember if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask!
Read our leaflet that may answer some of your questions and explains what we do at the CRF
Clinical trials are important because they help researchers, doctors and nurses find new treatments for diseases. Sometimes we use healthy people and sometimes we use people who already have a medical problem. Without people taking part in research we wouldn’t be able to find new medicines or treatments.
We have lots of friendly staff who will look after you. You will meet Anne, senior research sister, Anne looks after the children’s studies and you can ask her any questions. Make sure you wave and say hi to Anne if you see her!
We want you to enjoy your time on the CRF and if you are unhappy please let a member of our team know. Our staff wear different coloured uniform, it’s so you know what job they do:
Stu is our head nurse and he wears black
Lucy is a Paediatric Research sister and she wears royal blue.
Thelma is a Research Nurse and she wears blue and white stripe
Sharon is our Assistant practitioner and she wears white with green piping on her collar.
When you take part in research you will come to the CRF on level 5.
Your parent, guardian or carer will bring you to the ward where you will meet our friendly staff.
They will then show you where everything is, like the toilets, the play room and where you will meet the researchers.
Whilst you are waiting you are very welcome to play with your own toys or use our Playstation or Xbox.
The researcher will explain what they want you to do. If you don’t understand, please ask the researcher or nurse and they will explain it to you again. If you are not happy or don’t want to take part you can say no at any time.
It all depends on what kind of trial you are taking part in. There are many things you could be asked to do, such as having your height and weight measured, giving a small sample of your blood or having a scan. The researchers and nurses will be able to explain why they carrying out these kinds of tests.
We would never make you do anything you weren’t happy with, and you can always talk to the researchers or nurses if you have any questions about taking part in the trial.
It all depends what kind of trial you are taking part in. With some studies, people have stayed on the CRF for an hour and some other people have been asked to stay overnight. Your parent, carer or guardian is allowed to stay with you whilst you’re taking part in any kind of trial.
The researchers and nurses will be able to explain everything to you, and you don’t have to do anything you’re not happy with.
We want your stay to be a comfortable and enjoyable one, we have at the CRF:
- Colourful bedding
- Games console – Xbox, Playstation
- DVD’s
- Games
- Toys
- Books
You may want to bring your own things from home, such as:
- Toys, books or card games
- Teddy
- Electronic tablet if you want to use our Wi-Fi
- Headphones
Don’t forget to pack:
- Any medicines you take
- Clothes and pyjamas if you are staying at night time
