In order to control Coronavirus (COVID-19) we must develop our knowledge of how the virus spreads and the symptoms it causes. By supporting our COVID-19 research project you can be a part of this exciting work and explore its longer term impact.
Our research is being carried out Bristol-wide, led by North Bristol NHS Trust working in partnership with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Bristol.
The DISCOVER study has recruited over 300 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 since March 2020. It was the first UK cohort published, meaning this is the group that has been studied for the longest time, and so is particularly important for understanding long-term effects.
Our research has shown that many people who recover from the initial infection go on to have a range of symptoms for an extended period of time (known as ‘Long Covid’).
Further research is aimed at understanding the reason for these symptoms and potential therapies for sufferers.
Our researchers are renowned experts who are at the forefront of this unprecedented healthcare crisis.
Southmead Hospital is an acute, specialist hospital with a worldwide reputation in research excellence through our specialist Research & Innovation Centre. Each year 7,000 patients take part in over 500 research studies here.
Our studies so far have shown that almost three quarters of people hospitalised with COVID-19 are still suffering from ongoing symptoms after three months (known as ‘Long Covid’).
Your support will help us study this in more detail by working with survivors to understand their recovery. We are particularly focussing on their immune systems and want to understand how ‘overactive’ immunity may be leading to extended activation of T-cells, (white blood cells which work in several different ways to help protect us from diseases like COVID-19), months after they would be expected to return to normal.
We are also researching therapies that may support patients in their recovery, including fatigue management treatments and intensive research into sleep difficulties.
By donating what you can today, or by committing to give on a regular basis, you will be supporting our scientists in their ground-breaking research.
You will be helping the NHS to help us all in our time of greatest need.
Thank you for your support.