Being involved with Keele ' s Health Research Projects has been an incredibly rewarding and uplifting experience . I feel privileged to have been involved in such vital research , and my contributions as a Public Member have always been appreciated and valued .
With a recent diagnosis of thumb OA , my GP referred me to Leighton Hospital for an appointment with the Senior Occupational Health Practitioner who recommended wearing a thumb splint , which she fitted for me . She mentioned that researchers at Keele University were looking for patients with newly fitted with thumb splints for OA to help with some research . She thought I would be an ideal candidate . I agreed , and shortly afterwards I was contacted by the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Team at Keele , who invited me to meet with some researchers and another patient with a newly fitted thumb splint .
I had no idea what they would want from me and was a little nervous ! On arrival I was warmly greeted and made to feel welcome . I need not have worried – all the people I met were very friendly and supportive and I was surprised how much I could help .