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Cardiovascular Network invites interest in Patient and Public Involvement forum to ‘make vital contribution’
The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Cardiovascular Network is appealing for new members to join its Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum, encouraging more diverse voices to be heard
The Network is strengthening its PPI framework to ensure that people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to shape cardiovascular research which plays a vital role in improving prevention, treatment, and recovery.
It continues to expand its open forum for a variety of contributions and is now focusing its membership efforts on all 17 of Scotland’s cardiac rehabilitation centres with a dedicated campaign, aiming to make research relevant, inclusive, and easy to understand.
The forum welcomes:
- Patients who live with a heart condition
- Carers who help to look after someone with a heart condition
- Members of the public who have an interest in improving heart health
- Clinicians interested in heart research
The Network is also keen to raise awareness of the forum and what it can offer to clinicians who are:
- Offering advice on involving patients and the public in research
- Helping with funding applications
- Reviewing research plans and study ideas
We are especially keen to hear from patients, members of the public, and clinicians interested in heart research, with all invited to email Cardiovascular Research Network Manager Mary McAuley.
She said: “PPI is extremely important to modern research — and it is flourishing too. With that in mind, we’re keen to see new members join our forum and make a vital contribution.
“Your experiences, ideas, and views can help shape future heart research in Scotland. You will also reap the benefits, whether through improving your own knowledge, or helping to collaborate on the design of more impactful studies.
“We believe it is essential that patients and the public play a prominent role in the research that affects them in order to accelerate studies and improve access, inclusivity, and diversity.
“While we will be reaching out to Scotland’s cardiac rehabilitation centres to help with our membership drive, expressions of interest made directly to me are especially invited.”
She added: “Clinicians who are interested in cardiovascular research are also encouraged to get in touch and benefit from our support in a variety of ways.”
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability globally. In Scotland, it is estimated that 700,000 people are living with it, resulting in NHS costs of approximately £800 million per year.
With a third NRS and CSO hosted PPI Event taking place at Stirling Court Hotel on Tuesday 3 March, the Network believes it is an important time for raising awareness.
Professor Lis Neubeck, the Network’s Clinical Champion said: “Good research leads to better heart care. When patients and the public are involved, research is stronger. Our forum gives people a chance to use their knowledge and experiences to make a real difference.
“We welcome all to the forum, especially inquisitive-minded people who are good communicators, both in offering their views and listening to others.”
Forum member John said: “I am delighted to be part of the PPI forum as someone with lived experience of heart failure and the recovery journey. During my treatment and rehabilitation, hearing inspiring stories of hope from others made a huge difference to me, and I now feel privileged to be able to offer that same support in return. It is truly heart-warming to know that my voice, thoughts and ideas can help in any way.”
Publication date: 29th January 2026
