The grant has been awarded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). Funders said the involvement of patients and public in the research was exceptional and considered the research would provide robust evidence and was likely to have a marked impact on reducing future health care costs.
The Haemophilia Centre at K&C treats more than 500 patients from across Kent, including five year old Charlie, from Deal.
His parents said they supported any research that could benefit Charlie and patients like him in the future. Mum Aimee added: “Before Charlie started treatment, he really suffered with bleeds. The care he receives at the Haemophilia Centre has changed his life.”
The study will also involve teams from the University of Kent, The Royal London Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Haemophilia Society.
EKHUFT Physiotherapist David Stephensen, who will be leading the team, said: “We are pleased that the importance of this study has been recognised. We believe it will provide us with valuable knowledge about this condition which will benefit haemophilia patients in the future. We are also delighted that the NIHR recognised that our centre has the expertise to carry this piece of work forward.”
