Our FAQs
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Your stay
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We will tell you in advance what time you need to come in and other relevant information, such as if you need to fast beforehand. We normally ask that you come in the day or the evening before you will be dosed with the test medicine. We will take you to your ward and show you to your bed and where everything is. Once all the volunteers have arrived, one of the nurses will talk to you all and answer any questions. There are often more medical tests to confirm you are still okay to take part before you can be given the test medicine.
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What size of bag am I allowed to bring?
When you are packing your things to come on to a trial, please take a moment to check the size of your bag. We have very limited storage space for bags in the clinic and cannot accommodate any bags larger than a standard cabin flight case. When you are in the clinic your bag must be stored safely with no trailing straps etc. Safe storage of your bag is your responsibility.
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Do I need to bring anything with me?
- Clothes for your stay – although we do provide a clean polo shirt every day that you must wear, you will need to bring all other clothes with you
- Sensible nightwear - no night dresses or night gowns
- Comfortable footwear – for health and safety reasons, you must have something on your feet at all times whilst in the clinic
- Washing essentials (soap/shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.) – no mouthwash though as it may contain alcohol that can affect the results from the trial
- Towels
- Some volunteers bring their own pillow with them
- Anything you might want to do whilst you are in the clinic e.g. laptop, books, iPad, earphones, and college work.
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Can I leave the unit when I’m on a trial?
Not on your own. If it is a long stay and the clinical trial sponsor allows it, we try to arrange walks around the country park or other activities. You would always have staff members with you to ensure your safety. If you decide to leave the unit during a residential stay without prior agreement, you will be withdrawing yourself from the trial. -
What is there to do?
We have a dedicated Volunteer Liaison Officer who runs a programme of entertainment in the clinic, including weekly bingo and quiz sessions. There are books, games, daily newspapers, magazines, Xboxes, Sky TV,DVDs and pool tables in the unit. Any games or films you bring in should be suitable for general viewing and not cause offence to others. Feel free to bring your laptop or tablet with you; we also have free Wi-Fi in the clinic. -
Will all my meals be provided?
Yes. We have our own on-site catering and all meals are freshly prepared daily. You are not permitted to bring your own food into the unit. There are restrictions on what you can eat and drink on some trials, or there may be a specific diet that you have to follow during the trial. In all cases, volunteers are not allowed to share their food with others during their stay in clinic. -
Can I have visitors?
Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate visitors in the clinic. You are welcome to Skype/Facetime friends or family. -
Can I bring a mobile phone?
Yes – although there may be times during some studies when they can’t be used or use is restricted in certain areas, as in a hospital. -
Can I take photographs?
You are welcome to bring devices with cameras into the clinic but please don’t take photographs of staff or other volunteers without their permission. -
What about my car?
We have free car parking available where you can leave your car for the duration of your stay. Please note that we accept no responsibility for loss or damage to your vehicle.