Sue Wilson and Kate Andrews have drawn attention to the primary
care research networks in the West Midlands and S. Thames. The
Northern Research Network (NoReN) has been in existence for 4 years
and has facilitated practice based research through educational
programmes and the networking of expertise amongst its members. It
has approx 200 members, links with all the universities in the North
East and has 2 part-time research fellows attached to the Univ. of
Newcastle. The development of a number of research practices is
our latest project.
This network's philosophy is very much a 'bottom up' approach,
developing the research skills of individuals in service general
practice and creating opportunities for them to pursue research
activities whilst continuing their 'day job'! We have been involved
in a number of large research projects to date - on IBD, HRT,
psoriasis and reflux disease, and have special expertise in research
in GI diseases.
NoReN organised the first national conference of research networks
last year and this will be an annual event. We would be happy to
hear from new networks, strengthening this network of networks!
Funding for us is from Regional R&D, as with most other networks - a
hand-to-mouth existence at times - together with membership fees.
NoReN is based at The Health Centre, Sunningdale Drive, Eaglescliffe,
Stockton on Tees, Cleveland. Tel 01642 789026.
Greg Rubin
NoReN Research Fellow
disease
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