Volunteers wanted for EEAST Vitamin D study (VITALS)

Healthcare professions, shift and indoor-working are associated with higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, however, the impact of this condition on the ambulance workforce is limited. The impact of vitamin D deficiency can be significant, affecting both physical and mental health.

During October and November, the EEAST Research team are inviting all EEAST staff to take part in the VITALS study. All Trust employees (office-based and patient-facing) are eligible to take part.

VITALS participants will complete a finger-prick blood test to determine their vitamin D level. An NHS Pathology Service will analyse each blood sample and provide the test result for each participant. Further information about the test can be found: https://youtu.be/rxGIbHunHT8

If you currently take vitamin D-containing supplements you can still take part in VITALS. In accordance with manufacturer's guidance, you are just asked not to take any vitamin D-containing supplements on the day of testing, prior to your blood assessment.

How to get involved:

The initial vitamin D clinics will be:

Location	Date
Bedford: Hammond Road	Monday 7^th November
Cambridge Station	Wednesday 2^nd November
Chelmsford: Broomfield	TBC
Melbourn	Monday 24^th October
Norwich: Hellesdon	TBC
Southend	TBC
Stevenage: Babbage Road	Thursday 3^rd November
Waveney	Thursday 10^th November

For further information and to book a test: https://forms.office.com/r/AbW2r9kYsk. Alternatively, email research@eastamb.nhs.uk or call 07514973667 for further information.

More clinic dates will be released as soon as possible.

VITALS has received funding from EEAST Charitable Funds.

10th October 2022