12 May 2026
To mark International Nurses Day (12 May), we are shining a spotlight on our nurse team who provide invaluable care and support to patients during advanced therapy clinical trials.
With a background spanning advanced clinical practice, industry and significant research experience, including a PhD in cardiovascular risk stratification, Jane brings a unique combination of scientific insight and clinical leadership to the development of innovative therapies.
Jane said: “Research nursing within ANTC goes beyond a traditional clinical role. It brings together advanced clinical practice, high-level research skills, complex coordination and leadership, alongside a strong focus on patient-centred care.
“This combination is what enables us to deliver cutting-edge therapies safely, while ensuring that patients feel supported, respected and informed throughout what is often a demanding and uncertain journey.”
Jane co-ordinates multidisciplinary teams across neurosurgery, radiology, anaesthetics, pharmacy and external partners to deliver advanced therapy trials safely and effectively.
“I am passionate about ensuring patients are fully supported throughout their trial journey, and always advocate for clear communication, ethical practice and truly patient-centred care.”
She has experience across intensive care, oncology research and clinical trials delivery, supporting patients through complex and demanding treatment pathways.
Suzannah plays a key role in the day-to-day delivery of advanced therapy trials, supporting patient care, coordinating study procedures and ensuring high-quality data collection. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, she is instrumental in maintaining robust documentation, regulatory compliance and data integrity.
She works closely with patients and the wider multidisciplinary team, providing consistent support throughout the trial pathway.
Suzannah’s organisation, reliability and calm, methodical approach is central to the safe and effective delivery of advanced neurotherapy studies.
Our team are required to support and deliver complex research in a challenging environment.
The trials we deliver within ANTC are highly complex, often involving early-phase and advanced therapies within a demanding neurosurgical and MRI environment. They require a high level of specialist knowledge, clinical judgement and attention to detail.
Suzannah said: “Delivering this work within the NHS adds another layer of challenge. We are working within a busy clinical system, often alongside competing pressures, limited resources and the need to coordinate across multiple departments.
“It requires flexibility, resilience and strong organisational skills to make this work safely and effectively.
“A significant part of the role is bringing people together. These trials involve a wide range of stakeholders, including neurosurgery, radiology, anaesthetics, pharmacy, research teams and sponsor representatives.
“Our research nurses work closely with the Principal Investigator, Professor Liam Gray, to coordinate these moving parts — from early patient identification and scheduling, through to intra-procedural support and follow-up.
“A lot of what we do is about ensuring that everything aligns at the right time, in the right place, for the patient.”
For patients, this is not just participation in a clinical trial – it is often the decision to undergo brain surgery for an experimental treatment.
That decision carries a significant emotional and psychological burden. Our research nurses make sure patients feel informed, supported and able to make that decision with confidence. Over time, the research nursing team often become one of the main points of contact for patients. Building trust is a key part of the role, particularly in studies with long timelines and multiple interactions.
Jane added: “We provide continuity throughout the pathway, helping patients and families navigate what can feel like a complex and overwhelming process.
“We act as a bridge between patients, families and the wider team, translating complex information into something meaningful and accessible.
“We also advocate for patients, ensuring that concerns are heard and that the individual remains at the centre of decision-making. The person, not the protocol, always comes first.”
Research nurses also have an important role in shaping how studies are delivered.
Suzannah concluded: “We see first-hand how protocols impact patients in practice, and can feed this back to improve processes, reduce burden and enhance the overall patient experience.
“We also support patients and families to understand the study, helping them feel more confident and informed in their participation.”
“Research nursing within ANTC sits at the intersection of clinical care, research delivery and innovation. It requires the ability to manage complexity, coordinate across multiple teams and maintain high standards, while never losing sight of the patient.”
Ultimately, it is this balance that allows the ANTC team to deliver advanced neurotherapies safely within the NHS, while ensuring that patients remain at the centre of everything we do.
Thank you | diolch yn fawr
We’d like to thank Jane and Suzannah for sharing their experiences.
Without our incredible research nursing team, we would not be able to deliver life changing medicines to people living with neurological disease.
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