Swansea Trials Unit (STU) are looking for patients, carers and members of the public ideally living in South Wales who are interested in helping to design a clinical trial.

Researchers at STU are setting up a study to test an antimicrobial coating and air purification system in hospital wards to improve patient safety. Hospital-acquired infections can significantly impact patients by worsening their existing health conditions and prolonging their stay.

Early trials at Morriston Hospital suggest that applying a special antimicrobial coating across an entire ward, combined with air purifiers that help remove bacteria from the air, may have contributed to a reduction in infections over a ten-month period.

To ensure this approach is both effective and safe, researchers now need to conduct a full clinical trial. The goal is to confirm whether this method can successfully lower infection rates and help patients recover on time without complications.

Who Can Get Involved?

No specific experience is needed, but the following would be beneficial:

• Personal experience of acquiring an infection while in hospital
• An interest in healthcare and infection prevention

What Will I Be Asked to Do?

There are two ways to participate:

Role One:

• Attend up to five online meetings (each lasting 1.5 hours, held monthly)
• Join two in-person workshops in Swansea
• Contribute to discussions on trial design and how patients might feel about the study

Role Two:

• Attend two in-person workshops to provide feedback on the study’s design

What Are the Benefits?

• Collaborate with researchers and other public representatives
• Help shape a clinical trial that could improve hospital safety
• Potential opportunity to join the full trial management group if the study is funded

Support Available

• A designated contact person for informal training and support, available before and after meetings
• Reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs
• Payment of £25.00 per hour for participation (those receiving state benefits can request a lower rate)

For more details, please refer to the guidelines. If you receive benefits, you can also access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.