Colin Irving
Research & Development Co-ordinatorI have worked within the R&D department for eight years. My role is to help set up studies within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, to make sure that all the correct necessary paperwork and governance checks are all in place. My portfolio covers the following specialties: Diabetes, Hepatology, Ophthalmology, Renal Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Ageing, Dermatology, Ear, Nose Throat, Oral & Dental Health, and Primary Care.
I work with our research nurses and other external research investigators to obtain recruitment figures from active studies within A&A and update our records monthly. I also help maintain the governance side of things post R&D approval by processing amendments, updating local records, etc.
Joan McHarg
Research Nurse (and new puppy mummy)I joined the research team at Ayrshire in August 2024, following over 15 years of experience in pre-operative assessment and a broader background in surgical and theatre care. I’m passionate about improving patient pathways and am now proud to support breast cancer research focused on personalising treatment.
Amanda Kiddell
Lead R&D Facilitator, Research Governance TeamWith over 17 years of experience in the Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) team, I currently serve as the Lead R&D Facilitator. I specialise in supporting the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of research projects, ensuring they meet all statutory, regulatory, and governance requirements.
My role involves guiding researchers through the complex landscape of study approvals, ensuring full compliance with current legislation, and securing all necessary contractual agreements before granting R&D Management Approval. I also support the approval process for subsequent amendments to studies.
I am passionate about enabling high quality research that contributes to improved healthcare outcomes.
Danielle Gilmour
Lead Clinical Trials NurseI have over 18 years of experience in clinical Research, beginning my career in Gastroenterology as a Research Nurse. In 2010, I transitioned to the Research & Development Department, where I have continued to grow professionally. I currently work as the Lead Clinical Trials Nurse, overseeing a dedicated team of Research Nurses.
Our team collaborates closely with clinicians to facilitate and support a wide range of research initiatives across NHS Ayrshire & Arran. We play a vital role in advancing research that directly benefits the local population, contributing to improved health outcomes and helping the people of Ayrshire & Arran live healthier lives.
Natalie McLuckie
Lead RDI Facilitator, Governance TeamI have worked in the RDI department for 20 years and my role is to ensure that all proposed studies are fully compliant with current legislative and governance requirements, and all relevant documentation is in place prior to RDI Management Approval being granted.
My portfolio covers the following specialities: Trauma & Emergencies, Stroke, Reproductive Health & Childbirth, Neuroprogressive & Dementia, Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders, Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Genetics, Children, Cancer i.e. Skin, Head & Neck, Breast and Prostate.
My role also encompasses the governance of research studies after local approval has been issued which involves processing and approving study amendments, dealing with Research Passport applications to supply Letters of Access, the development of Standard Operating Procedures / Local Work Instructions and managing the archiving process.
I also assist the Governance team with Corporate Records Management, and I am a Digital Champion for the team.
Claudia Coubrough
Research NurseI have worked as a cancer research nurse since 2007, initially in Ayrshire & Arran, then moving to Beatson WOSCC from 2009 until 2016 when I then moved back to Ayrshire & Arran. Over that time, I have worked on cancer clinical trials within gynaecology, lung, breast, colorectal, urology and haematology.
Currently within the cancer trials team I oversee the urology and colorectal clinical trials. I enjoy supporting patients throughout their cancer journey and hopefully improving treatment options for future cancer patients.
Lesley Barker
Clinical Trials PharmacistI joined the research team in Ayrshire in Arran as clinical trials pharmacist in December 2023. My role is to work closely with the wider RDI team and ensure that clinical trials involving investigational medicinal products are carried out following the relevant regulatory and practice standards. Within pharmacy I oversee the clinical trials team ensuring that investigational medicinal products are procured, handled, stored, dispensed and used safely as per the trial protocols.
Lisa Kean
Research NurseI joined the research team at Ayrshire & Arran as a clinical trials nurse in January 2023, prior to this I worked at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre within the Clinical Apheresis and Bone Marrow Transplant units.
Within the cancer trials team I mainly oversee the haemato-oncology trials.
I enjoy supporting patients throughout their cancer journey.