Sheila is a former consultant haematologist who spent the last 30 years of her career working with NHS Blood and Transplant, specialising in blood transfusion. During her career, she led the committee responsible for developing UK transfusion guidelines and played an active role in teaching and training. Now retired, she continues to use her extensive clinical and leadership experience in her role as a Research Ethics Committee (REC) Chair.
Having worked in a specialty with an active research programme throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how research and innovation can improve patient care. For example, at NHS Blood and Transplant, I was involved in developing a service using autologous serum eye drops for people with severe dry eyes. We would take their blood, process it, and use the serum as treatment. For some patients, the results were remarkable - many were in constant pain, and even something as simple as blinking was very difficult. Some lived in darkened rooms because of the discomfort, so to see that kind of improvement was incredibly rewarding. I also developed a strong interest in the ethical side of research and, 39 years after completing my initial medical degree, I decided to complete a master's in medical ethics. After retiring, I wanted to stay involved and continue contributing in a meaningful way, and joining a REC felt like a natural next step.Tell us why you got involved, Sheila?
During COVID, I worked on research collecting plasma from patients who had recovered from the virus. This plasma contained antibodies, which we then transfused into patients who were seriously ill to help support their immune response. That was a significant area of work at the time. I’ve also been involved in research into antibodies that can cause serious lung complications when transfused, which further deepened my interest in both research and its ethical implications.What research are you most proud to have been involved in during your career?
I understand how important it is to ensure research is designed and carried out carefully, with patient safety and benefit at its heart. That perspective is something I bring directly into my role as a REC Chair. When reviewing applications, I’m thinking not just about the science, but about the impact on patients, both those who may participate in the research and those who may ultimately benefit - considering how the research will affect them, whether it is justified and whether it is likely to lead to meaningful outcomes. It also gives me a strong appreciation of the importance of ethical oversight, ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and in a way that people can trust.How does your clinical and research experience inform your role as a REC Chair?
As a Chair, I’m responsible for guiding discussions and bringing together different perspectives within the committee to reach balanced and well-considered decisions. Each application is assigned a lead and second reviewer, and we discuss the key points in detail as a group. Applications can be extensive, sometimes including dozens of documents, so preparation is important. Alongside the meetings, there is also follow-up work, including reviewing responses from applicants when we ask for further information. The role is varied and intellectually stimulating. I really enjoy the variety - every meeting brings different topics and types of research, so you are constantly learning and seeing new developments.What does the role of a REC Chair involve, and what do you enjoy most?
I would encourage people to get involved. It’s a really worthwhile role and a great way to contribute, whether alongside a career or after retirement. It’s interesting and engaging and gives you the opportunity to be involved in genuinely shaping research in a way that supports patients and the wider health research system.What would you say to others thinking about becoming a REC member?
Considering applying to become a REC member?
Whether you’ve got experience of working in healthcare , or none at all, we’re looking for people like you to join our Research Ethics Committees (REC) and help review vital health and social care research.