Meet our Research Nurse, Samantha Hamilton

For the next instalment of Our NPC Team series, we explored the role of a research nurse. Samantha joined NPC in June last year, brining a variety of experience with her in primary and secondary care nursing.

Samantha joined NPC as the only research nurse and is looking forward to driving forward our research studies to improve the health of our local communities.

I qualified as a nurse in 2016— it’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a decade! My nursing journey started in the plastics outpatient department at the RVI Hospital in Newcastle, where I had previously completed a student placement in burns and plastics. Luckily, a position opened up when I qualified, allowing me to continue developing my skills. During that time, I gained invaluable experience in wound care, which set the stage for my transition to community nursing. I loved my role as a district nurse in a town close to home, but within two years, I moved into primary care as a practice nurse at Alnwick Medical Group a role I’ve enjoyed ever since for its variety, autonomy, and the chance to care for patients of all ages.

Today, I’m the only research nurse at Northumbria Primary Care, working across multiple sites as part of a small but dedicated team. We manage several research studies at once, and I’m involved from the very start—participating in suitability discussions, overseeing daily study operations, and recruiting potential participants to take part. I explain the study protocols, coordinate training and equipment needs, and navigate various systems to ensure everything runs smoothly. I also screen participants and collaborate closely with stakeholders, including the NIHR Research Delivery Network.

I’m particularly excited about working on the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RDAF) project alongside Dr Hannah Brown from NPC Ponteland. The flag, which is due to fully launch at the end of the year is a national record which indicates that reasonable adjustments are required for an individual and any details of their impairments and key adjustments that should be considered.

This initiative is personally significant to me, and I’m passionate about its potential impact. It also aligns closely with key priorities outlined in the NPC Clinical Strategy, particularly the commitments to Equitable Care and Patient Access. By ensuring that reasonable adjustments are identified and communicated effectively across care settings, the RADF helps to reduce health inequalities and promote personalised, inclusive care. It empowers staff to respond more appropriately to individual needs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and ensuring that no one is disadvantaged due to a disability or health condition. I’ve developed a flowchart and questionnaire for the project, and we’re now organising training sessions with RADF champions to support its rollout.

Since joining NPC last June, I still feel relatively new, but I’ve been warmly welcomed. My work takes me across multiple sites, and it’s clear NPC is deeply committed to both patient care and staff well-being—something I truly appreciate. I feel fortunate to be part of a fantastic, supportive team of experts, and I’ve already learned so much. Our base at NPC Widdrington has an incredible atmosphere, and working alongside such dedicated colleagues has been a pleasure.

Outside of work, life revolves around my husband and our two young children—they definitely keep me on my toes! We love exploring Northumberland and the surrounding areas. Last summer, I got back into running, and I’m now training with Alnwick Harriers for several races, including the Coastal Run.

I am looking forward to continuing my journey with NPC and driving forward our invaluable research studies that will hopefully improve the health of our local communities.