Mona Fareh is first haematology research nurse at NIHR / Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility to complete PhD studies

A haematology research nurse from the NIHR / Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is celebrating after completing her PhD studies into the history of Colonial nursing in South Arabia.

Senior Clinical Research Nurse for the CRF, Mona Fareh finished her studies on nursing services and training in South Arabia during the Late British Colonial Period (between 1950-1967), with an oral exam in April.

Mona is an outreach nurse for the CRF and works with the haematology research team at Manchester Royal Infirmary, specialising in adult non- malignant haematology trials.

Mona has worked at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) since 2001, previously as a ward sister in an acute medical ward and as a nutrition specialist nurse. She moved into her current role six years ago and is the first haematology CRF nurse to have completed a PhD education. She undertook her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, under the supervision of Professor Duncan Mitchell.

Mona said:

I am very proud of myself for being able to complete a PhD studies whilst working full-time with two children. I do encourage those who are thinking of doing their PhD to go for it and enhance their research skills.

“After completing my Master’s degree which was on primary healthcare education, I started to gain interest in research and wanted to do research as part of my professional development as a nurse. My current role has certainly enhanced my interest in research and so in 2012, I decided to embark on undertaking a PhD.

“Although my PhD project is on history of nursing in the colonies, I believe that the skills gained from undertaking it are transferable and could be used in all aspects of clinical research.

“I have witnessed a big increase in the number of non-malignant haematology trials at CMFT during the last six years. Studies cover conditions such as haemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Our portfolio has recently expanded to include investigating rare conditions; sickle cell and Thalassemia clinical research.  80% of our research studies are commercial and we are the leading site for most of these studies.”

Deputy Director at Manchester CRF, Paul Brown said:

I would like to congratulate Mona on behalf of everyone here at the CRF for her fantastic achievement in completing her PhD studies. She has worked exceptionally hard and we are all very proud of her.