School pupils encouraged to take part in NHS medical research

SHARE school visit - credit NHS Lanarkshire

Senior school pupils in Lanarkshire have been encouraged to share their medical records and blood samples with NHS researchers.

The SHARE register collects the details of people willing to help with research studies to develop new treatments and cures.

It is open to anyone 16 and over.

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For the first time representatives of the project visited a school in Coatbridge to seek the support of senior pupils.

Emma Johnston, who is based in the R&D department at Monklands Hospital in Airdire said they had received an enthusiastic response at St Ambrose High School.

“It only takes a minute to sign up but the benefits may be felt for generations to come because SHARE matches the right people to the right research projects.

“In addition, the blood left over from routine testing can help improve treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers and asthma,” she said.

The register matches specific volunteers’ medical conditions with relevant research and seeks permission to use any leftover blood from normal blood tests for use in research. Data collected is kept strictly confidential.

SHARE is a partnership between the NHS in Scotland, the Scottish Government and universities in Scotland.