Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall meets researchers

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall carried out her first engagement as Patron of Arthritis Research UK yesterday (Monday 1st July 2014).

The duchess met researchers from the Clinical Research Facility at the University Hospital of Wales Heath Park campus to learn more about the research funded by Arthritis Research UK. 

During the visit, the duchess met local supporters and patients and was introduced to key research being carried out at Arthritis Research UK’s Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre (CREATE), based in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine. The facility is Wales’ first research centre dedicated to developing new drugs and treatments for arthritis.

The duchess was given a demonstration by lead researcher Professor Ernest Choy of an ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy, a specialised method which allows tissue samples to be taken from joints with greater accuracy, causing less damage than previous techniques. These samples are being used to research new diagnostic tests that could lead to more patients achieving remission.

Her Royal Highness was also introduced to the research of Professor Simon Jones, which is examining whether specific biological markers can be used to more successfully predict disease progression of patients with inflammatory arthritis. This could provide patients with an earlier treatment decision, ensuring that they receive the best treatment for them right from the start.

Olivia Kaunhoven, 11, from Cardiff, who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), presented Her Royal Highness with a posy to bring an end to the royal visit. 

Dr. Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer at Arthritis Research UK, said “We were thrilled that we were able to showcase examples of our research to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.

During her first engagement as Royal Patron, the duchess witnessed practical solutions to helping people with arthritis, found out about research into predicting the development of arthritis and met some of our valuable supporters and volunteers."