Robert’s story

Robert had a significant stroke in 2017. Hospital staff said that he would be a suitable candidate to join a clinical trial. Watch Robert's story.

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[Robert Smith]

I'm Robert Smith. I live in Sydney. I'm a retired electrical engineer. Valentine's Day last year, I had a significant stroke, took me off to hospital where the staff there assessed me and found just how serious the stroke had been. They said that I would be a suitable candidate to join a clinical trial. They explained in very careful detail exactly what I would be required to do. We were able to ask any question that came to mind and we were given frank answers without any attempt to hide the truth.

We appreciated that because there's nothing worse than somebody just saying, ‘Oh yeah, everything will be okay’. You don't want that. You want you want the truth. We discussed the proposal with our GP. We have a lot of faith in him and we probably wouldn't have participated if he hadn't been supportive.

Every 3 months, overall health was checked, a blood test taken, checking blood thinning.  The effect that the drug is meant to achieve. We had access to whoever was needed to give advice about the trial and the potential for a better outcome for all stroke victims or potential stroke victims. If people are in a position to take part in a trial, I would encourage them to do so. I'm about to embark on another trial, so if I can help others prepared to do that.

[Voice Narration]

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Video type:
Story
Date of official publication:
Description:

On Valentine’s Day last year, I had a significant stroke. I was taken to hospital, where the staff assessed me and found just how serious the stroke had been.

They said that I would be a suitable candidate to join a clinical trial. They explained in very careful detail exactly what I would be required to do. We were able to ask any questions that came to mind and we were given frank answers without any attempt to hide the truth.

We appreciated that because there’s just nothing worse than somebody just saying, 'Oh yes, everything will be okay.' You don’t want that, you want the truth. We discussed the proposal with our GP. We have a lot of faith in him and we probably wouldn’t have participated if he hadn’t been supportive.

If people are in a position to take part in a trial, I would encourage them to do so. I am about to embark on another trial, that I hope can help others. I’m prepared to do that.

Date last updated:
Tags:
  • About clinical trials