Heartbeat: Hello my name is… Gina Dutton

April 1, 2020

We recently welcomed Gina Dutton who has started with our organisation as head of research and development.

Gina joins us from the University of Worcester where she was head of the association for dementia studies, which involved research to improve the care of people with dementia, as well as teaching health and social care professionals. Prior to that Gina was a cancer research network manager working across the NHS for 13 years. As part of that Gina was seconded to the national team working on improving the delivery and conduct of clinical trials.

“Before that I worked as a dual qualified diagnostic radiographer and sonographer,” said Gina. “That was the first role that gave me the opportunity to work in research. I was one of the local collaborators on the study which brought nuchal translucency screening into antenatal care. It’s obvious that research makes a difference to the patient journey and how care is delivered.”

When Gina recently spent some time in the NHS as a relative (after her husband fractured three vertebrae), she realised just how much she had been missing clinical engagement. “The experience reminded me of my radiography roots and patient care,” she said. “Although I’m not particularly in a patient facing role, it’s important for me to be in a position that makes a difference. I was keen to get back into the NHS and into research which is what I know and do well. I was delighted to have the opportunity to do just that at SWB.

“I believe all patients and members of the public should have the opportunity to take part in research should they want to. Our workplace needs to have the breadth of portfolio so every service can have the opportunity to open a trial or some sort of research study.

“Likewise, I am aware there are a lot of health professionals who to date have not been exposed to research. I know people do want to take part in research, so my role is about widening participation and giving colleagues and patients the opportunity to take part. Research active organisations provide better care.”

So what does Gina enjoy in her spare time? She told Heartbeat: “I am a member of the Women’s Equality Party and I also sing in a local choir. From time to time I attend glass fusing courses.”