The Westgate Practice has long been involved in research activity. This practice is one of over 1900 practices in England and Wales contributing towards national research as a Research and Surveillance Centre. These have been the primary source of disease surveillance and work closely with the Royal College of General Practitioners and the UK Health Security Agency.
Since March we have been offering patients the opportunity to participate in virology research at Greenhill Health Centre. Patients with a booked Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointment, may be eligible to provide a nose and throat swab. These swabs help us to identify which viruses are circulating. Of particular interest is Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and SARS-Cov2. Participation in this programme is completely voluntary. This information is critical for NHS planning and providing the World Health Organisation with data for global strain selection meetings.
For more information about this programme, please read the Patient Information Leaflet attached.
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