GP surgeries in Warwickshire recruiting patients for Covid-19 research

Three Warwickshire GP practices are among the first in the West Midlands to start recruiting patients into the ‘PRINCIPLE’ Covid-19 research study.

St Wulfstan Surgery in Southam, Sherbourne Medical Centre in Leamington and Budbrooke Medical Centre are taking part in the research.

The main objective of the trial is to evaluate a drug called hydroxychloroquine and provide a rapid answer about its effectiveness in modifying the course of Covid-19.

The goal is to see if it prevents disease progression so that those affected will recover sooner and avoid the need for hospital admission, reducing the burden on NHS services and resources.

Dr David Shukla, primary care clinical research lead for the Clinical Research Network West Midlands (CRN WM) said: "The Network is committed to prioritising the set-up and delivery of vital research into COVID-19, and its staff have been working hard in collaboration with the study team and staff from our member GP Practices to fast-track the set-up of this important trial."

Pam Devall, network research delivery manager for primary care said: "It really is wonderful to see such a positive response from Practices willing to continue to support research, even in such difficult times."

In order to avoid patients having to visit their GP, delivery of the trial medication and swabs to participants’ homes will be supported by the CRM WM and the NHS England volunteer programme.