Meet the NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility Team

“I am keen to help investigators across all disciplines to develop clinical research. Particularly, to rise to the challenges demanded by experimental medicine studies.” 

I started my research career in 2009 as a research nurse for the Medicines for Children Research Network whilst undertaking a MSc in Nursing qualification.  I've worked in various research roles including quality lead, senior research nurse and Lancashire CRF Manager.  In 2016 I led the development of the Lancashire Clinical Research Facility and contributed to the successful bid to become an NIHR funded CRF.  Since then, I've led the growth of phase I, early phase and ATIMP research within the Trust, and I became Head of Clinical Research Operations in 2023.

"Hello, I'm Allan and I've been working in clinical research since early 2021, initially within neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and stroke before joining the LCRF team.  I'm excited to help lead a team of dedicated and passionate research delivery professionals for the benefit of our patients and the wider community, improving patient outcomes and experience." 

<insert bio here>

Hi, I'm Lizzie and I work in the Lancashire Clinical Research Facility (LCRF). In the LCRF, I work on early-phase clinical trials, which involves trialling medications that are in the early stages of development. Prior to this I worked in A&E and SDEC.

Angela Linda Botha is an accomplished healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in nursing, clinical research, and healthcare management. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in General Nursing from the University of Malawi. Her career has spanned various critical roles in healthcare settings across the UK and Malawi, demonstrating her expertise in patient care, clinical research, and leadership in nursing.

Currently, Ms. Botha serves as a Research Nurse in Early Phase Clinical Trials at the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In this role, she contributes significantly to the setup and coordination of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with ICH/GCP guidelines. She is responsible for study participant recruitment, informed consent processes, data collection, and managing investigational medicinal products according to study protocols. Her role involves frequent collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, study monitors, and sponsors, as well as training junior staff in trial-related procedures.

Ms. Botha’s early career in Malawi includes work with the Johns Hopkins University Research Project at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, where she participated in an HIV vaccine trial, conducted pre- and post-HIV counselling, and engaged with local communities on health education.

She brings strong skills in leadership, research, and healthcare management, complemented by her international experience and dedication to enhancing patient care and clinical research outcomes.

Hi, I'm Sia Hutchinson, also would like to known as 'Jean'. I worked in Lancashire Research Facility (LCRF) since September'24. I work on LCRF as a Research Nurse in Early Phase Clinical Trials at the Lancashire Teaching Hospital. I have a Degree in Nursing and CPD in Management in Cancer in a Master Degree level. Prior to this, I worked in ENT outpatient clinic, Ribblesdale ward, CCU and ICU and A &E department in various clinical setting. I am keen to combined my knowledge, skills and experience in delivering an excellent and first class patient care and treatment at my role at LCRF.

<insert bio here>

Hi, my name is Sam. I have been working in Oncology Research for 3 years now. Over the past year I have been working as a clinical trials coordinator, I work with patients which are on Brain-Oncology clinical trials. Previous to this role I worked as clinical trials support officer in the Oncology department.

<insert bio here>

My name is Nita, I have worked in the NHS for just over 38 years. Started at the Sharoe Green Hospital Site in the Chest Clinic – moved to Royal Preston when the Rosemere Cancer Unit opened and then into Research since 2009 progressing from, Receptionist, Data Manager and now Research Access Project Manager, setting up Clinical Trials, to enable patients access to treatments and procedures they may otherwise not get.

Working in such an important area within the NIHR Clinical Research Facility with all the amazing staff and offering the job role speciality across all the different Research areas, gives me immense satisfaction, that I can be part of the process to upcoming treatments and innovation.

I am an Equality & Diversity Champion for the Trust, so can assist and signpost anyone who may require advice around this area 

I took up this part-time role in October 2023. I don’t have a clinical or a research background,  but I do believe that actively involving patients in the design, development and delivery of clinical trials leads to better outcomes. After all who better to support research teams than someone who has lived experience of the illness/treatment/condition being researched.