Hi, I’m no stranger to Quotient and all that they do as I have family members who have participated in trials over the years. It wasn’t until recently when I was casually listening to my local radio station and heard a commercial asking for volunteers, the thought of applying crossed my mind. The unfortunate thing was that along with that thought came many negative ones as to why I shouldn’t volunteer, hence the title of this blog! You see, I don’t like anything ‘medical’. I don’t like needles; I don’t like hospitals. In fact, I’m one of those individuals who won’t visit my GP unless a body part is literally falling off....and even then, I’ll usually pass it off as ‘’tis merely a scratch’!

As the title suggests, ‘sometimes it’s good to challenge yourself’ and that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do recently by taking part in a clinical trial. No more excuses. I wanted to ‘face my fears’ and achieving this whilst doing something worthwhile, was a bonus. I also wanted to break the cycle of not taking enough time off work so the whole experience was a bit of a break for me. Not to mention, as a volunteer, you receive an ‘inconvenience allowance’ which really is welcome!

My experience on the trial was just amazing and the biggest reason for this was down to the staff. You just know when folks are happy in their work, and it showed in spades. Professional. Friendly. Caring. Reassuring. They genuinely couldn’t do enough for you to make sure your stay was as comfortable as possible and there are always medics around if you have any questions or concerns. My fellow volunteers, assembled from far and wide, were a great bunch of people too and we had such a good laugh. One of the funnier moments for me, and there were many, was when I used the term ‘catheter’ instead of ‘canular’ when talking about what procedures to expect on the first day. The look of fear on some peoples’ faces was hilarious until someone picked up on my error! The environment was always relaxed and friendly with a good measure of humour thrown in.

The facilities at Quotient are decent too. Everything nice, clean, and well maintained as you would expect. There are times between procedures when you could find yourself at a loose end, however, every effort has been made to fill those voids with facilities such as a pool table, outside courtyard area for stretching your legs and a communal TV/lounge area with tea/coffee making facilities. Even quizzes and pool tournaments are arranged on certain days. If you need to do work ‘stuff’ whilst on your stay, there is Wi-Fi and a seating area for you to work from. The food was 5-star and that makes such a difference to the quality of your stay. There is a good selection of quality meals to chose from on a pre-order menu that you receive on arrival. I really couldn’t fault the food. 

I would, and do, recommend anyone who has doubts about signing up for a clinical trial to seriously question those thoughts. When I look back at all the concerns and reservations that I had pre-trial, most of which had melted away by the end of my 2nd day, I wish I had done this 10 years ago. It’s surprising what you can achieve when go beyond your comfort zone. 

There are varying schedules for trials that can and do work around your work/lifestyle so don’t let that put you off.

Overall, my first clinical trial has been nothing, but a positive experience and I hope the above has given anyone considering a trial, a small insight into what participating is really like. I would urge anyone to give it a go….

Finally, thank you once again to the staff at Quotient, Ruddington and my fellow volunteers for making my stay such a great experience and one I’ll remember with a smile!

 Here’s to the next one!

Hi, my name is David and I’m 57 years old I recently became self-employed doing graphic design which has brought lots of flexibility to my working hours.

 I heard an advert for Quotient Sciences We Need You whilst listening to Spotify (being too tight to pay for the ad-free version!) Listening to the different criteria, I thought ‘I can do that!’ and put my application in via their website to become a volunteer.

 I followed the process and a  few weeks went by, and I’d pretty much forgotten about it when I suddenly had an email detailing all the studies that I was eligible for. I called the office and spoke with the recruitment team – we talked through the criteria & my eligibility – and then agreed a date and time for a screening session to see if I was suitable for my chosen clinical trial.

This was my first ever application to join a paid clinical trial so I had no idea what to expect. Turning up for the screening, I was very impressed first by the modern building and then by the interior which was spotlessly clean and could have been a private hospital.

The staff were friendly, warm and very professional making me feel comfortable and I left hoping the results would get me on the trial.

Less than a week later, I got a call – I was in! – exciting times - although my wife wasn’t exactly looking forward to not seeing me for 11 days (well that’s what she said!) , but when I told her we could use the payment for a really nice holiday, she soon perked up! Coming onto the ward I introduced myself to my bed neighbour who revealed himself to be a veteran of 20 trials he took me under his wing explaining how the trial would run from a volunteers perspective (a real advocate for the clinic) which was really interesting. Everything was so well explained I would have been fine without my new friend, but it was good to have him with me.

The food was seriously good, much better than I expected, freshly cooked and generous portions ( a chef had spent time prepping and serving us very attentively for the days we were there), plus we also had access to free coffee, tea and squash during our stay. We occasionally were advised to wait before having these – just to fit in with the needs of the trial – but the staff would keep us informed when this would be.

Time was spent reading, playing pool, table tennis, listening to music and watching movies/YoutTube. Our great liaison officer also kept us entertained with bingo and quizzes so the days didn’t drag as I feared it might.

 I was also able to do some graphics work as I bought a smaller monitor for my mac mini, enabling me to work in bed from time to time.

Friends had different reactions when I told them I was doing a clinical trial; from the ‘that’s Interesting - tell me more’ to the ‘no way would I do that’ which I expected. Usually, peoples’ reasons for not doing them are easily picked apart when you have a proper discussion with them, but for some there is no going ahead and that’s fine.

So, there it is in a nutshell - you get paid for your time when volunteering to help the advancement of new medicines and , you have every reason to feel a bit smug that you’ve done a good thing while you’re deciding how to spend your inconvenience allowance  – a no brainer really.

I would 100% return to do another trial having had an overwhelmingly positive experience, made new friends and took the opportunity to just detox and wind down away from the pressures of everyday life. Have a go – you won’t regret it.

I am a 29 year old male and started doing paid clinical trials around 10 years ago when I needed extra money whilst I was a student. I’ve done 5 in total. Trials have pros and cons, but I’ve always treated them as a mini break from work, a place to relax, meet new people and receive a bit of extra income.

It’s always nice to use the money for a holiday, car insurance, Christmas fund, or just have a bit extra  in the bank!  I’ve always done the trials that are 1 visit as I prefer it with work - taking time off in one go and arranging my calendar for taking just a week or two off. It’s always nice to take time off work and also be paid for my time  again – double whammy!

I’ve never had any side effects on trials, so it has always been smooth sailing for me. Obviously, everything has its risks, but you are well informed at every stage of the process and at any point you can walk away.

I spent my time at Quotient Sciences’ unit playing pool, table tennis, the Xbox, getting involved in bingo and quiz sessions - generally nattering with the other people. You can be as social or recluse as you like, no pressure! Some people spend their time voluntarily chilling in their bed, cosy & warm, bingeing tv shows, earphones in & napping! Whilst some like to pass the time being involved in a bit of fun with the well organised events like pool, bingo and quizzes.

The staff are lovely, nice, professional - but approachable. Nurses are great and always make you feel comfortable with the procedures and always keep your safety in mind.

Quotient’s Volunteer Liaison Officer organises quizzes and bingo sessions to keep people entertained and is an all-round joy to be around. A ray of happiness which is always welcome and much appreciated when on a longer study! They are also the go to for laundry if the study allows,  -  well, anything to do with your stay really.

Quotient is always asking for feedback – they are passionate about the volunteers’ experience in clinic. The staff seem to love their job – and it shows.

Now to the important stuff… Food!!
Breakfast is typically a choice of cereal: muesli, cornflakes, or my top choice – Weetabix , and usually with a choice of fruit (apple, pear or banana). If you are lucky, you could choose a trial with a full fat breakfast. Basically, sausage, bacon, egg -  the traditional English breakfast! A muffin or croissant choice too! Another box to tick is fresh fruit salad and a yogurt -this beats my standard rice krispies at home any day!

Lunch can be a sandwich, wrap, cob, soup of the day, or a jacket potato with beans and cheese – which I love! A snack – and again fresh fruit – they really do look after your wellbeing!

Evening meals are always top notch. Hot and scrumptious. I’ve had steak pie, fish and chips, chicken, lasagne, salmon; the list goes on.
Desserts are great too. Apple pie, cookies, lemon cake, bread and butter pudding, golden syrup flapjack - I am salivating at the memories of these!!

You’ll never be hungry!

While in the unit I do miss the fresh air. There is a small outside area with a pool table, table tennis and some picnic benches – but I do enjoy the outdoors! I was on a trial where they organised a supervised walk outside and we went to Rushcliffe Country Park around the corner – but this can’t be promised as it’s sponsor lead and needs additional staffing at times. So just be aware that outside time may not feel the same as ‘the great outdoors’ we have in this country!

The other consideration is that it’s a shared ward. Personally, I don’t mind this - everyone keeps to themselves and is respectful towards the other volunteers. There are no curtains around the beds and there is the risk  there may be a snorer – but earplugs are always on hand and I have always caught up on sleep on non-dosing days – so no real sleep lost!

Doing a trial is the best thing you’ll ever do. I 100% recommend it.

A real guilt free down time – an escape from the rat race of life – a time to reflect how lucky I am to have my health – so I can help others.

If you want to know the realities of taking part in these trials, read all of the other stories from ‘the  real volunteers’ who do them – it’s great to be a part of a community  who really do want to help transform the way medicine is developed in the world…

So, out of my washout period, I was browsing on the Quotient website and saw a trial that fitted in with my diary - I phoned up and arranged for a screening after answering a few simple questions, it was straightforward.

I turned up on the allotted time and had a COVID test straight away took 10 mins, I then had a few vitals done, ECG, urine test, etc, and was fully informed what would be expected on the study.

I answered a few questions about the study that showed I was aware of the test medicine that I would be given with and its procedures and what would be expected of me.

All questions I asked were answered, a few days later I got my results, and I was offered a place. Within a week of screening, I met the criteria they were looking for!! I am in!!

On the day I turned up at 8 am – into the new volunteer reception – very swish! I was shown my bed, and I did a few more pre-dose tests – I was nervous – but the staff were great and put me at ease immediately.

I passed everything with flying colours and on the second day, I was offered a chance to be dosed. Now I could relax! I eagerly accepted

This is my third day in the brand-new clinical unit and I am loving it, I won on the bingo hosted by the Quotient volunteer liaison officer and voice of the volunteers! These events are a great compliment to the unit – they pass the time & allow you to speak with volunteers from other wards – a real social event!

The food has been amazing, the staff are great and courteous, and it's refreshing to see smiling faces all around.  It’s a new menu since I was last in - the jacket potatoes with beans and cheese for lunch – winning!

Yes, I have had a few procedures done ECG, blood, and vitals but the peace of mind they give you to knowing that they are there to protect my well-being and health is always a bonus.

My mum passed away from bowel cancer and my dad has dementia and to know that what I do today will help future generations – is always bittersweet – if we all volunteered these medicines may be available quicker – volunteering at Quotient Sciences makes me feel proud.  The inconvenience allowance that you get for your time are amazing and just a bonus of the experience - it’s always a joy and a pleasure to visit Quotient Sciences.

Just wanted to share my experience during my recent time on a 10-day paid clinical trial and to thank everyone involved.

 Time went surprisingly quickly as the days are well structured around time points, procedures and mealtimes – and apart from on the first day of dosing, there was a lot of free time to relax.

 It's a chance to make new friends and hang out, as everyone has a breathing space from the usual demands of modern life.

It's a great chance to meet folk from a totally different walk of life. There's a spacious TV room to relax in with an area for hot drinks. Some days there would be a quiz or bingo (l won a couple of gift vouchers) and a couple of times the group went out for a walk around the local scenic country park. I understand this is not always possible, but if they have the staff available, the clinic will try and arrange this for the group.

 The staff are professional, but they also have a warm human approach. Procedures are explained with any questions and needs accommodated.

 If you haven't done a trial before, l can reassure you that you are in good hands and encourage you to go for it.

 It has genuine world outcomes.

Many of the test medicines go on to help many who struggle with health issues - which is a good feeling to think you played a small part in things.

Also, the inconvenience allowance received for your time is obviously a big help personally – it helps pays for the little treats in life! As it happens, I'm writing this on a warm November morning besides the pool in Sri Lanka. 

 If you are wondering who else does these studies and why we do it – check out the community of volunteers

Well, where do I start, I have been doing studies at Quotient Sciences now for over three years and have enjoyed every one I’ve done!

I travel to Nottingham sometimes for work and looked on-line for things to do. I searched one day for paid clinical trials and found this nice place - so when I finished my project, I booked on for an induction!!

The main reason I do clinical trials is to receive some additional income – developing new medicines is also great. But as each study passes, the community grows and it’s about the experience also. It’s been great at Quotient.

Although I have done trials elsewhere – I do enjoy the atmosphere at Quotient Sciences. The buildings, the staff, it really does make a difference when looking for studies.

The inconvenience allowance helps me to buy things I couldn’t as easily with my 9-5 job, so I am grateful for the chance to receive this extra money and it helps to enjoy Christmas with my family

I am happy to tell family and friends that I participate in such research – I am proud of what we as volunteers have achieved over the years.

I like the food at Quotient, very nice. They seem to change the menu with the seasons, its homecooked and it feels that the catering team care about what they produce. The choices are great and there is always something on the menu that I would enjoy – sometimes more than one option! I do always feel very full after each meal and the new dining area in Oak House is a great place to eat – a huge tick for the new unit.

Playing games and talking with other volunteers is my main actives while in clinic!

I always plan to do my work on my tablet, but with box sets to watch and SKY movies on the TV, it’s hard to not just relax.

The Volunteer Liaison Team is always in clinic, arranging our laundry, happy to do a quiz or bingo. These activities really do make the days go faster and even when the events are done, they will sit with the volunteers and listen to feedback. They are always happy to hear other volunteers share their volunteering experiences.

While in clinic this time round, we have enjoyed great pool matches, table tennis games and quiz!

I have really enjoyed talking with guys about life. I have loved talking with nice staff in clinic and, overall, a study of over 20 nights has flown by!

We have already talked about returning in the spring and all the changes we will see in the clinic again.