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.
From Monday 13th February, we will be offering patients the opportunity to participate in this research at Greenhill Health Centre. Patients attending a routine blood test will be asked if they would like to provide an additional blood sample. Participation in this programme is completely voluntary and verbal consent will be recorded as part of the process. These samples will be used for population wide monitoring of flu and covid-19 immunity and provides useful data that helps shape future health programmes and vaccinations.
For more information about this programme, please read the Patient Information Leaflet attached