First MND research nurse joins £7.2m trial network

The first research nurse has joined a new UK-wide network aiming to improve access to motor neurone disease trials.

Andy Hamilton has been appointed at Newcastle’s MND Care and Research Centre as part of a £7.2m programme to embed specialist nurses in 24 MND Care Centres and Networks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association’s Research Nurse Network is a four-year initiative designed to help people with MND navigate the complex process of joining clinical trials.

Research nurses provide trial information, assess eligibility, explain what participation involves and support patients throughout their involvement.

Hamilton, an experienced research nurse based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, will work with Newcastle’s multidisciplinary team, which currently supports more than 170 people living with MND in the region.

He said: “I feel privileged that my role is the first in the country to receive funding from the MND Association,”

“The funding will help Newcastle to continue to provide the latest clinical trials and potential treatments for this devastating disease, something I feel passionate about.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with research nurse colleagues across the country as they commence their roles and to share best practice.”

Among those supported by Hamilton is Dougie Walsh, a former truck driver diagnosed with MND in 2023, who has taken part in research including the MND-SMART trial, which tests multiple treatments simultaneously.

Former truck driver Dougie Walsh was diagnosed with MND in 2023

Walsh said: “Andy has been a great support to me – he is always there to answer my questions and helps me feel relaxed while taking part in the trials,”

“As much as I would have liked to get involved in research, I don’t think I’d have been able to do it without his help and support.

“I’m part of the Tyne and Wear branch and it still takes the wind out of you when your fellow branch members die from this disease.

“If the research I’m involved with can give anyone with MND a chance in the future, I’d do it.”

Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological condition that damages the nerves controlling movement. Around 5,000 people in the UK are living with the disease at any one time.

Tanya Curry, chief executive at the MND Association, said: “Our community has told us just how challenging it can be to get the information they need about taking part in clinical trials.

“It’s a complex process, and one which can rob them of precious time with their loved ones. This has to change.

“We want to give everyone living with motor neurone disease the choice to take part in and influence the future of MND research.

“Our MND Research Nurse Network will do just that, providing the support, expertise and knowledge needed to create equitable access to trials for all.

“It’s a big investment – £7.2m over four years – but one that will make a huge difference to people with MND and revolutionise how trials are accessed across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Tim Williams, consultant neurologist at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “Research is a vital part of finding better treatments for MND and critical in hopefully finding a cure. Newcastle has a long-standing reputation for delivering clinical trials for patients with MND.

“We are delighted to receive and accept this funding from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which will fund a dedicated MND trials nurse/research coordinator and enable us to continue this important work.”

Recruitment for research nurses at several other sites is under way as part of the national rollout.