Issue 11
West Midlands Stroke Research Network Newsletter
Welcome to the eleventh edition of the WMSRN Newsletter!
This quarter we report on our figures and targets up to the end of November
2010.
We have a feature on one of our sister Topic Specific Research Networks, the
Mental Health Research Network.
Our Trial in Focus in this edition is OTCH.
We hope you enjoy our newsletter and would very much appreciate your
feedback.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas
and a happy and healthy New Year.
Kind Regards to All
Kate Wilde
West Midlands Stroke Research Network Manager
Consultant Lead: Dr Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 00 44 (0)1782 427454. Fax Number: 00 44 (0)1782 427446
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network is part of the National Institute for Health Research and is funded by the Department of Health
Recruitment In WMSRN
This financial year we aimed to recruit 1000 patients to our approved list of studies. This
was a great challenge and our most ambitious target yet. Below you can see how we are
getting along up to the end of November 2010. We have reached our aspirational target!
Well done to everyone and keep up the good work!
NUMBER OF PATIENTS RECRUITED up until the end of November 2010
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
RECRUITED
Ap
ril
M
ay
Ju
ne
Ju
A u ly
Se g
pt ust
em
O ber
c
No to b
ve er
De mb
ce e r
m
Ja be r
n
Fe ua r
br y
ua
r
M y
ar
ch
TARGET
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
2
The Mental Health Research Network
[visit http://www.mhrn.info/
for more information]
What we do
The Mental Health Research Network is part of the National Institute for Health Research and our
mission is to help make research about mental health happen within the NHS in England. We
work with everyone who needs to be involved in research projects – researchers, mental health
professionals, people with experience of mental health problems, their families, and research and
development staff based in NHS trusts. We support studies that are based within mental health
services, within social care services and within primary care services. We support randomised
controlled trials, service evaluations, qualitative studies, epidemiological research, genetic
research and e-science studies. We support multi-centre and multi-site projects as well as small
single-site pilot studies. We support both publicly-funded research studies and projects that are
sponsored by industry.
Regional offices (hubs)
The day-to-day business of the Mental Health Research Network is carried out at eight regional
offices (called hubs) throughout England. Our teams of clinical studies officers (CSOs) are based
at these offices (although individual CSOs are often physically located within mental health trusts
where there are MHRN-supported studies running). Each hub also has an e-science officer who
can offer researchers specialist IT support and advice about local NHS and academic systems and
other technical aspects of research projects.
Our hub teams have good working relationships with the R&D teams within the NHS trusts that sit
within their geographical boundaries and keep up to date with changes and developments in local
NHS services. They can help researchers find local collaborators and investigators working in the
services that offer treatment, care and support to the potential participants studies are trying to
reach.
They can also introduce researchers to people who have experience of mental health problems
and members of their families who are willing to act as consultants, advisors, steering group
members or researchers – and support people with experience of mental health problems, and
their family members, who want to get involved in research projects.
Each of our hubs is run by a small Executive team of experienced researchers and mental health
professionals who have extensive networks of contacts within mental health, social care and
primary care services. They can advise about the practicalities of setting up research locally, and
introduce their contacts. Our local Hub is known as Heart of England.
MHRN Heart of England Hub: Professor Swaran Singh
Swaran Singh is professor of social and community psychiatry at Warwick
University and a consultant psychiatrist in the Early Intervention Service at
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. He is the clinical
engagement (Darzi) lead for mental health and social care for the West Midlands
Strategic Health Authority, and is a non-executive director of the Coventry and
Warwickshire Partnership Trust.
He is involved in several national research programmes, including the ENRICH Programme which
seeks to improve pathways to care for black and minority ethnic communities; the AMEND project
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
3
assessing the impact of the Amendments to the Mental Health Act (2007); the ENDEAVOUR trial,
working on improving vocational outcomes in early psychosis; and the TRACK study about the
transition of care from child to adult mental health services. His research interests include
epidemiology, onset and outcomes of early psychosis, early intervention services, culture and
ethnicity in mental health, health services evaluation, mental health law and medical education.
MHRN Heart of England Hub: Carly Cooper
Carly Cooper has worked within mental health since graduating with a BSc in
Applied Psychology in 2001. She initially worked in a number of inpatient
psychiatric units before taking up a research post at the University of
Birmingham, working with Professor Nick Craddock in the field of mood disorders,
particularly recurrent depressive disorder and depression during and post
pregnancy. In 2005, Carly became a research fellow at Birmingham and Solihull
Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, assisting staff and researchers in devising research through
to data collection and analysis, as well as facilitating access to the trust for external researchers.
Carly became manager of the Heart of England Hub in 2007. While working, she has also
completed an MSc in Occupational Psychology, with a particular interest in change management,
and recently obtained a Diploma in Management, which focuses on managing people and
performance.
carly.cooper@bsmhft.nhs.uk
Involving people with experience of mental health problems and their families
One of our priorities is to give people with experience of mental health problems and their families
the opportunity to get involved in the studies we support.
Each of our local hubs works with local service user groups and carers who have a say in running
that part of the network, and can also advise researchers about individual projects.
We also run two expert organisations – Service Users in Research and Families/Friends Together
in Research (FACTOR). Both of these are based within our coordinating centre. For more
information, please visit our website
Working with the Stroke Research network:
As a family of networks the NIHR encourage all local networks to collaborate, co-operate and work
jointly wherever possible. For the WMSRN and MHRN Heart of England hub this has mainly
centred around the use of psychology graduates and post graduates who can work on both Stroke
related studies, such as the BUCS study (see below) as well as mental health related studies. This
allows us to consolidate resources by jointly appointing, training and supporting individuals.
We have also recently worked together on developing a curriculum for training researchers in best
practice when obtaining written informed consent, especially in circumstances where a patient may
not have the capacity to make a decision for themselves.
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
4
Trials in WMSRN Area
ENOS (Efficacy of Nitric Oxide patches and blood pressure reduction regimens after
Stroke).


This study questions whether blood pressure should be actively reduced after a stroke but
additionally explores whether a Nitric Oxide patch is more efficacious than use of an oral
antihypertensive. This patch can be used even when a patient has swallowing difficulties.
There are five hospitals participating in this trial in the West Midlands and we are hoping
more will in 2009/10
IST3 (International Stroke Trial 3)


This trial is looking at extension of the time frame and the age range for use of alteplase
(Clot busting drug) in thrombolysis of cerebral infarcts. The drug is currently only licensed to
be used up to 3 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. This trial looks at the merit of
extending this to 6 hours.
There are now seven hospitals participating in this trial in the West Midlands.
BUCS (The Birmingham Cognitive Screen)


This research is looking into a questionnaire tool that assesses attention and executive
brain function after brain injury.
This study currently takes place at seven hospitals in the West Midlands and we are hoping
another 3 will join in soon
RETURNS


This study explores rehabilitation concentrating on turning co-ordination.
Patients are recruited through Birmingham University from the local Primary care
community.
DNA Lacunar


This study collects genetic material on lacunar type strokes
Patients are recruited from University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and University
Hospital North Staffordshire at present.
LOTS care and LUNS



These studies explore long term planning and treatment for stroke patients after discharge.
The LUNs project is evaluating the questionnaire used to evaluate unmet needs in the
LOTs Care trial.
Three centres are recruiting patients to LUNs and 3 are recruiting patients to LOTS in the
West Midlands
SOS
 Is routine oxygen supplementation beneficial in the first few days after stroke?
 This study is running at seven centres across the West Midlands but we are hoping
participation will increase greatly in 2009/10.
PAST BP
 A randomised controlled trial of different blood pressure targets for people with a history of

stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in primary care
This study is running at primary care centres across Birmingham and is hopefully opening
in Warwickshire
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
5
Stroke-inf
 A cluster randomised controlled trial to see if prophylactic prescription of antibiotics to

stroke patients with swallowing difficulties results in a better outcome than treating infection
as it arises.
This study is running at University Hospital North Staffordshire
ARC study
 A Study of the Effect of ARC1779 Injection on Cerebral Microembolism in Patients

Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy
This study is running at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and is being
considered at University Hospital North Staffordshire
OTCH


This study explores the benefits of providing Occupational therapy to stroke survivors who
are resident in care homes.
In our region, the study is opening first in the Birmingham area, then will expand into Stokeon-Trent.
TARDIS
 A Study on stroke and TIA to see if triple anti-platelet therapy (aspirin, chlopidogrel and

dipyridimole) is more effective than aspirin and chlopidogrel alone
Expressions of interest have been shown by University Hospital Coventry and
Warwickshire, University Hospital North Staffordshire, Hereford Hospital and Telford
hospital so far.
GRABIT
 A Study on the grip and grasp response of patients recovering from particular types of

stroke lesions
This study is recruiting patients from various rehabilitation setting across Birmingham
CLOTS3
 A study looking at the benefits and feasibility of pneumatic compression pumps to prevent

DVT formation in stroke patients
Currently open at Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent
HPS2 Thrive



Study to test whether a new combination treatment that increases good “HDL” cholesterol
prevents heart attacks and strokes
Recently co-adopted by the SRN. Recruits stroke patients and other cardiovascular
patients but the SRN are only counting strokes patients as part of their recruited numbers.
Open at centres throughout the West Midlands.
FACE TIA

Study to look at the long term outcome for patients experiencing a transient ischemic attack
or TIA
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
6


Patients will be followed up after discharge from a TIA clinic to see how they are , using a
number of questionnaire based tools
Open at centres throughout the West Midlands
STICH II


To establish whether a policy of earlier surgical evacuation of haematomas in selected
patients with spontaneous LOBAR ICH will improve outcome compared to a policy of initial
conservative treatment. The trial will also help to define the indications for early surgery.
Open at Stoke-on Trent only at the moment
Coming Soon!
PODCAST – trial looking at dementia in stroke patients
AVERT- trial looking at very early physiotherapy
DARS – looking at dopamine augmented rehabilitation in stroke
OTCH
OTCH is the acronym for a cluster randomised controlled trial of an occupational therapy
intervention for residents with stroke living in UK care-homes. The trial has been funded
by the National Institute for Health Research and will run for four years. The trial is
supported by the Stroke Research Network, and the Primary Care Research Network.
The purpose of the trial is to conduct a Phase III trial to evaluate the effects of a targeted
course of occupational therapy (with provision of adaptive equipment, minor
environmental adaptations and staff education) for people with stroke living in a care
home. In particular we will examine the effects on independence in self care activities of
daily living and mobility.
We hope to recruit care homes (private, charitable, not for profit and local authority) for
older people in each of the trial areas including South and East Birmingham, Shropshire,
Staffordshire and Wolverhampton, as well Bangor, Oxford, Portsmouth, Nottingham,
Devon and Preston. The care homes will be recruited and randomised in blocks to allow
the therapists workload to be spread across the period of the study. With the cooperation of the Primary Care Research Network, participating homes will be identified.
We will then ask GPs/Practice nurses to check the notes of those identified for evidence of
stroke and TIA and identify those who are receiving end of life care. All eligible patients
will be invited to participate in the study by either a senior member of the care home staff,
a research network nurse or therapist, or a GP or Geriatrician.
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
7
Competition Time
Have you got a research idea you would like to get funded? Try your ideas out against our
Dragons Den! Four ideas will be chosen to present in front of the Dragons at our
stakeholder event 21st January 2011 at Keele Hall, Keele University, Staffordshire.
For further information and an application form please
contact Kate Wilde: Kathryn.wilde@northstaffs.nhs.uk or
via the contact details at the end of this newsletter.
Deadline for entries 17th December 2010
STAFF NEWS
Congratulations to Emily Jones who became
Mrs Linehan in September!
Good bye to Martine Pritchard, who has
taken up a senior role as stroke coordinator
at UHCW. Good Luck, we will miss you!
Hall Of Fame – Employee of the month
April- Cathy Stretton
May – Emily Jones
June- Kay Finney
July- Lucy Aldridge
August- Karla Preece
September- Steven Hurdowar
October- the BUCs team
November- Claire Randall
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
8
NEWS
Check out our websites:
For WMSRN http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
For more general local stroke features http://www.stroke-in-stoke.info/
Stroke association www.stroke.org.uk
Some of our study sites, with newsletters available:
IST3 http://www.dcn.ed.ac.uk/ist3/
CLOTS http://www.dcn.ed.ac.uk/clots/
ENOS http://www.enos.ac.uk/
SOS http://www.so2s.co.uk/
BBC News Search: stroke research
BBC News Search: stroke research
Latest News
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/207367.ph
p
Stroke Survivor Steps Up Support For Stroke Services In
Wiltshire
11 November 2010
Statin side-effect risk uncovered
Blood pressure 'higher in cities'
Search on for chocoholic volunteers
Stroke survivor Mick Spence from Melksham, Wiltshire
returned from the brink of despair to save others from the
hole which nearly consumed him. Mick Spence and The
Stroke Association will launch a new scheme to bring
stroke...
[read article]
Nationwide heart tests 'wasteful'
Researchers Identify Molecular Program For Brain Repair
Following Stroke
Robot 'helps arms after stroke'
10 November 2010
Parasite 'a growing stroke risk'
Smoking 'cancels alcohol gains'
A stroke wreaks havoc in the brain, destroying its cells and
the connections between them. Depending on its severity
and location, a stroke can impact someone's life forever,
affecting motor activity, speech, memories, and more...
[read article]
How Well Does Clot-Busting Drug Help Stroke Patients?
last update on: 11/11/2010 16:08:06
10 November 2010
The clot-busting drug rt-PA remains the most beneficial
proven emergency treatment for strokes caused by blood
clots, according to an editorial in the November issue of
Archives of Neurology by Dr. José Biller...
[read article]
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
9
Other News & Up and Coming Events
West Midlands Stroke Research Network
4th Annual Stroke stakeholder event
Research and Improvement
Friday, 21 January 2011
Keele Hall, Keele University, Staffordshire
This conference provides a unique opportunity for professionals, service users and the voluntary sector
in the West Midlands to hear about local research and service developments and how the NHS is using
these developments in a practical way to aid stroke patients.
The day is FREE to all attendees – but you must book your place.
The 2010 conference was over-subscribed so early booking is a must!
The Agenda will include:

Keynote address: Professor Christine Roffe, Acute Stroke Physician, University Hospital
North Staffordshire

Keynote address: Professor Richard McManus, GP and Professor of Primary Care, University
of Birmingham

Workshops on Telemedicine, Patient and Public Involvement, and Self Management

Short presentations on up and coming research projects from across the region. These will be
presented in a Dragon’s Den style to a panel of eminent researchers.
See www.ccclimited.org.uk for agenda updates
The Holistic Health Team will provide free taster sessions of complementary therapies, including
head and neck massage, Shiatsu and hand and arm aromatherapy.
Refreshments and a two-course lunch will be provided.
About the venue
Keele Hall is accessible and disabled-friendly.
To book your place
 Go to www.ccclimited.org.uk and book on-line, or
 Telephone Central Conference Consultants Ltd on 0115 916 3104, or
 email ccclimited@aol.com
Contact Details
Tell Us About Your Event!
WMSRN Network Office:
North Staffs Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
Holly Lodge, 62 Queens Rd, Hartshill, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 7LH
Website:http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
Administrator: Jean Leverett Jean.leverett@northstaffs.nhs.uk,
Tel 0300 1231465 , Fax: 0300 123 0894
Consultant Lead: Prof Christine Roffe. Network Manager: Dr Kathryn Wilde
Clinical Lead: Christine Roffe
Christine.roffe@northstaffs.nhs.uk,
Enquiries: Telephone Number: 0300 123 1465. Fax Number: 0300123 0894
Network Manager : Kate Wilde Kathryn.wilde@northstaffs.nhs.uk
,
http://westmidlands.uksrn.ac.uk
The West Midlands Stroke Research Network ( WMSRN) is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is funded by the
Department of Health
10