Celebrating our trailblazing clinical trial participants, researchers and staff
Each year, South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) proudly celebrates International Clinical Trials Day (20 May), recognising the critical role clinical trials play in transforming patient care and the powerful impact that our research is having right here in our hospitals.
International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated each year to mark the day in 1747 when Scottish naval surgeon James Lind conducted the first recorded clinical trial aboard the HMS Salisbury, investigating treatments for scurvy.
The day was officially established in 2005 by the European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network to honour Lind’s pioneering work and highlight the importance of clinical research in advancing healthcare.
Today, we’re acknowledging and celebrating the important work our researchers and clinical trials staff do across SMHS to bring the latest drug and device trials to our patients, improving and enhancing their care and quality of life.
From drug trials for chemotherapy free treatment of blood cancer (external site) to lung transplants (external site), SMHS Director Research Mel Wright is proud of how we’re shaping the future of clinical research by sharing knowledge, fostering innovation and driving meaningful change.
“At SMHS, we see clinical trials as a direct investment in our patients’ futures,” says Mel,
“We’re not just testing treatments but building a culture of research and innovation that’s improving the care for our SMHS community.”
To make access to trials easier for clinicians and patients, SMHS also has a page on the ClinTrial Refer app (external site). The app can be used to find clinical trials that match a patient’s health condition, ensures patients and clinicians can access readily current clinical trial information, and allows clinicians and researchers to connect and collaborate.
“The ClinTrial Refer app is helping bridge the gap between patients and life changing research,” Mel said.
“It’s a powerful tool for making clinical trials more accessible and visible across our hospitals.”
The success of SMHS’s clinical trials program is only possible because of the commitment of our researchers and the generosity of our trial participants.
We thank everyone who volunteers to take part in research, these individuals help advance research and are leaving a legacy for future generations.
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