We are inviting members of the public, patients and carers from across England to become SURF Members and have a say in Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) Research. We want people from around the country who are willing to share their thoughts and perspectives, give their views on ideas for research, review study designs and perhaps be involved in undertaking research.

SURF Membership
As a member of SURF, you will be asked to attend SURF meetings with other members and researchers (usually in London) at least two times per year to discuss and contribute to collaborative research projects; participate in research training activities; and hear from expert speakers on HCAI and research issues.

SURF undertakes its own collaborative research projects with the HCAI Research Network and as a member you will have the opportunity to contribute to those of interest.

You will also be invited to participate in research projects being undertaken by external researchers that meet your own interests and desired level of involvement. There are many opportunities for involvement ranging from commenting on patient information materials by e-mail to working alongside a research team for the duration of a project advising on issues relevant to the public. Some of the opportunities for involvement are outlined on the last page.

There may also be opportunities to attend conferences and events as a representative of SURF.

 
What sort of people join SURF?  
SURF membership is open to any member of the public who is interested in becoming involved in healthcare-associated infection research - and as such our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, all our members are bound by a common goal to make a difference to HCAI research. Each member brings with them their own unique experiences and reasons for joining SURF.  Click here to read the biographies of of current SURF Members and learn more about their reasons for joining.

How can SURF make a difference? 
SURF members can make a difference to infection research in a wide variety of ways. For example, becoming involved in:

• Setting new research priorities

• Writing and appraising research proposals

• Applying for funding to conduct their own research

• Developing and assessing lay materials

• Collecting and analysing data

• Evaluating and improving the experience of research participants

• Engaging service users in other fields

• Working with researchers to devise how best to involve the public

Join SURF!
If you would like to Join Surf please download, complete and return the SURF Membership Form to the SURF Administrator, Meg Morse - meg.more@uwl.ac.uk.