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HYMS
sheet

OCTOBER/
NOVEMBER
2010

‘REEACT’ trials depression treatments

The largest ever trial of
computer-delivered
psychotherapy is being
undertaken by Simon Gilbody,
Professor of Psychological
Medicine at HYMS and the
University of York, and the
University’s Mental Health
Research Group.
Depression causes misery to many
people and is a major health problem in
the UK: we know that at any one time
more than one in ten people in Great
Britain are suffering from some form of
depression. The majority of people with
depression receive care from their GP
and rarely see a specialist, although many
would also like to receive a ‘talking
treatment’ (counselling or psychotherapy).
There is a growing evidence base to
suggest that therapist-led Cognitive
Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is effective at
alleviating symptoms of depression, but Cell biology forum
access to CBT within the NHS is limited
and often has long waiting lists. TheNorthofEnglandCell
Recently, therapists have designed BiologyForum2010(NECB)
computer-led therapy programmes which tookplaceattheUniversityof
incorporate CBT principles which can be Hullrecently.
Organised by HYMS Senior
made available through the internet. The
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences Dr
REEACT study is a large multicentre
randomised controlled trial investigating Francisco Rivero with Drs Klaus
the clinical and cost effectiveness of Ersfeld and Frank Voncken, the
computerised Cognitive Behaviour meeting, principally aimed to
Therapy (cCBT) for depression being led provide PhD students and Postdocs
by Professor Simon Gilbody at HYMS. with an opportunity to present
The study is investigating two cCBT their research. It attracted more
programmes, one which is freely available than 85 participants.
on the internet and one which is a Amonst the broad range of topics
licensed product which incurs a fee per covered were intracellular
user. Participants are randomly assigned transport, organelle dynamics, signal
to receive one of the cCBT packages, transduction and cell cycle
together with usual GP care, or may be regulation.
assigned to a control group who receive The £100 prize for the best talk
usual GP care alone. All participants are was awarded to Nikki Copeland
followed up at set time points for 2 years (University of York). 
Continued on page 2...

Dean’s CongratulationstoDeanofHYMSProfessorTonyKendrick,whohaswonfirstprizein
theprimaryhealthcarecategoryoftheBMAMedicalBookAwards2010.
success at Professor Kendrick’s book ‘Primary Care Mental Health’, co-authored by Linda Gask, Helen Lester
BMA book
© HYMS 2010

and Robert Peveler, provides a conceptual background and practical advice for the clinician. It was
considered “a source of informed practical advice on a wide variety of mental health issues
awards encountered in primary care”. The book is published by RCPsych Publications. 
REEACT trials
...Continued from page 1
to monitor the severity of their
depression as well as other
aspects of health, such as quality
of life. A concurrent economic
evaluation is also taking place to
investigate the cost-effectiveness
of providing people with cCBT.
REEACT has been recruiting
since August 2009 and is running
in just over 100 GP practices
across four study centres based
at the Universities of York, Bristol,
Manchester and Sheffield. To date,
more than 600 people with
depression have been enrolled in
the study and the team hopes to
hit its recruitment target of 690
by the end of the year, earlier
than originally planned.
The qualitative aspect of the
study is now about to begin, led
by the research team at the
University of Manchester. This is
to assess the acceptability of
computerised therapy to patients,
from a user perspective, and GPs,
as potential referrers to this type
of treatment.
Due to the expected early
completion of recruitment to the
original REEACT trial a further
study, REEACT-2, is currently
being developed to investigate
the effect of providing telephone
support to people accessing
cCBT. Evidence suggests that
people can find it difficult to
engage with the cCBT
programmes, so by providing
additional support we may be
able to enhance any potential
health benefits.
For further information
about the study, contact trial
support officer Gwen Brierley
(gwen.brierley@york.ac.uk).
Blood cancer
research accolade
Congratulations to Professor Eve
Roman and all the team in the
Epidemiology and Genetics Unit
(EGU) for the fantastic coverage
they have received on the BBC
News website!
The EGU is a research grouping
linked to the Centre for Health
and Population Sciences at HYMS
and funded mainly by the
Leukaemia Research Fund. 
Main picture: last year’s winning photo by Support Services Manager Joyce Tate;
Inset: 2008 winner student Lucille Marshall’s original painting
HYMS annual Christmas card competition
Yes,it'sthattimeofyearagain!Timeforyoutodigoutallyourpretty
picturesofsnow(andyoushouldhaveloadsafterlastyear’swinter)sowe
canmakeaHYMSChristmascard.
The photo must be taken by somebody working or studying at HYMS and the judges’
decision is final! You can enter as many times as you like. If you would prefer to paint a
Christmas-themed picture or produce any other type of suitable artwork, that would
be considered too.
As if seeing your work of art in print wasn't enough, there will be a £25 gift voucher for
the winning entry!
Please send all your entries to val.parker@hyms.ac.uk. The closing date for entries is
Friday 5th November 2010.
Chocolate for diabetics? Grant opportunities
A group of researchers from the STUDENTS may wish to check out the
University of Hull and the Hull York latest grants and awards offered by the
Medical School have found that dark Institute of Medical Ethics. The awards are
chocolate has significant health benefits to support a variety of activities, including
for people with Type 2 diabetes. According electives, intercalated degrees and
to a study published recently in Diabetic internships. Follow the link for further
Medicine, HDL (high density lipoprotein) details. 
or ‘good’ cholesterol is improved and
overall cholesterol balance is enhanced
when patients consume 45g of dark Student research success
chocolate each day.  CONGRATULATIONS to HYMS students
Louise Mellish and Rachel Stephenson
who have both had research from their
Naomi shortlisted intercalated degrees accepted for
NAOMI Chinn,Year 4 HYMS student, has presentation at conferences.
been shortlisted for the Sir Harold Ellis Year 5 student Louise will present a
Prize 2010, awarded by the International poster based on research from her MRes
Journal of Surgery for an essay relevant to in Translation Cancer at the American
any aspect of surgery. Naomi, whose essay Society of Haematology conference to be
title is “Which surgical specialty will held in Florida in December.
become extinct first and why?”, will attend Year 3 student Rachel presented research
an award ceremony at the Royal College from her intercalated year, spent at the
of Surgeons in November when the University of York’s Biology Department,
at the National Medical Student Research
winner will be announced. 
Conference organised by the Medical
Acorn Foundation.
 Conference farewell Staff news
for Professor John Goodbyeto...

Cookson FionaFoley-Croft, HYMS PG

Centre Project Manager
Warmtributeswerepaidatthefifth GillGammack, Temporary York
HYMSeducationalconferenceto Receptionist
retiringUndergraduateDean, SharonMeredith,Temporary
ProfessorJohnCookson(pictured Research Support Assistant.
right). MirandaSmith, Assessment
Described as a consummate clinician, an Assistant
erudite scholar, an inspiring teacher, a
generous friend and a very special husband Photo: Dominic Ennis Welcometo...
and father, John was warmly thanked for the enormous contribution he had made DrAhmedAburima, Research
to HYMS since the early days of the medical school. Assistant working with Professor
HYMS staff from all across the East Riding, North Yorkshire and northern Khalid Naseem
Lincolnshire attended the event held at Bishop Burton Agricultural College on DrMartineDujardin, Senior
Wednesday 15th September 2010. Clinical Lecturer in Radiology
Entitled ‘Achievements and Challenges: HYMS – the first 7 years’, there were a DrFabiola Martin, Senior Lecturer
mixture of lectures and workshops on an educational theme. There was also a in HIV Medicine
chance for staff to meet the new HYMS Dean, Professor Tony Kendrick, who had CarolineFairhurst, Admissions
recently taken up the role. He said he regretted not being privileged to learn
Assistant
alongside John. “Your reputation precedes you,” he said. “You are a real Tour de
DrKitFan, PG Centre Project
Force.”
Officer
The first speaker was former Hull Postgraduate Medical School chair in
DrAmyGadoud, PhD Fellow
Primary Care Medicine Peter Campion with a talk entitled ‘Cutting edge education
DrAngelaHoye, Senior Lecturer in
or a chip off the old block?’.
Cardiology
He talked about HYMS and in particular the Problem-Based Learning aspect
ProfessorUnaMacleod, Chair in
of the curriculum. He described John’s role in developing it.
Primary Care
“John brought a tremendous depth of wisdom and pedagogy to HYMS,” he
AlisonPettigrew, Director of
said. 
PGCME
EllieTomlinson, Scarborough
Student Liaison Officer
SKIP HYMS update opportunity for parents to receive
information on local services available. It Congratulationsto...
report by Year 4 student Joanne Milton also offered the chance for parents to
meet and form their own support LizAllen, Research Manager, who
This summer the first group of 14 SKIP
networks. This is important as there are recently returned from maternity
(Students for Kids International Projects)
project volunteers travelled to Tanzania. still, large amounts of stigma related to leave
Volunteers stayed with two host families disability in Tanzania, leading to reduced DrJanineHenderson, who will
in the Kibaha region, and were welcomed access to education and healthcare. There take over as Associate Dean for
from the moment they arrived into the was also the opportunity to attend two Admissions in summer 2011
community with shouts of “Jambo” and HIV/AIDS seminars. SarahMussared Finance Assistant,
“Mzungu”, Swahili for “hello” and “white who has begun a 6 month contract
person”. with HYMS

We worked with the local NGO, Mkuza

Youth Development Association
(MYODA) on several projects over a total
of 4 weeks. Mornings were spent teaching
in a local nursery available for children
from the poorest families. Teaching English
to up to 70 children aged 3-7years
involved everything from singing ‘head,
shoulders knees and toes’, to our adapted
version of ‘duck, duck, goose’ – ‘elephant,
elephant, lion’. A nursery education is vital
in Tanzania as without it children are
unable to progress further.
The volunteers ran four disability
awareness days in association with a local
charity. These provided a chance for the
integration of disabled and non-disabled
children through games, and an
Participants and volunteers in this summer’s SKIP project
in Tanzania
SKIP fundraises throughout the year to
provide equipment for the nursery, and
fund the HIV/AIDS seminars and disability
awareness days. If you are interested in
getting involved in SKIP, come along to an
information evening on 11th November in
Hull or York or email us at
skiphyms@googlemail.com.
Any volunteers?
A research group headed by
Professor Khalid Naseem of HYMS is
conducting studies into the
molecular mechanisms that cause
blood platelets (very small cells that
are involved in causing blood clotting
to stop bleeding) to become
activated in disease states. The
information could be used in new
treatments for patients with
thrombotic diseases. To carry out the
studies the group needs healthy
individuals to donate a small amount
of blood. So if you would like to
volunteer, email h.procter@hull.ac.uk
or telephone 01482 461912.
 Calendar November 16 December
of events Lecture

For full details of all
these events, plus
many more lectures,
seminars, conferences
and social events, visit
3 Virtualhumanevolution
Professor Paul O'Higgins
6
FAMILeYawardnight P/L001, Physics, Lecture
Middleton Hall,
The University of York 
Blood,fat&gas:theclot
The University of Hull  thickens
18-19 Prof Khalid Naseem

www.hyms.ac.uk/events 11 Symposium
Middleton Hall,
The University of Hull 

Tutor development event What’snewinpalliative k.slater@hull.ac.uk

care
Underperforming
students
Dr Colin Jones, Dr Jonathan
The Octagon,
Walker Street, 9
Kingston upon Hull 
Lloyd, Professor David Blaney
HYMSStaffChristmas
education@dovehouse.org.uk
York Hospital BarnDance
paul.gibsonsimpson@ Lindsey Suite, Staff House
york.nhs.uk The University of Hull 
janet.tasker@hyms.ac.uk

One of the BeSST essays RCGP conference

CONGRATULATIONS to Year 3 HYMS
student Victoria Fisher, who was runner
up in the recent Andrea Litva Prize
awarded by BeSST (Behavioural and Social
Science Teaching in Medicine) for an essay
on ‘Analysing the contribution of
behavioural and social sciences to medical
education’. The winner and three runners
up were commended for their knowledge
of the research and their ability to put this
in the context of medical education
developments and policy.Victoria’s
emphasis on the individual and population
level was particularly commented upon.
Alumni publication
RECENT HYMS graduate and FY1 doctor
Jamie Crawford has recently had a case
report published in the annuals of the
Royal College of Surgeons. 
Future surgeon meeting
MEDICAL students and junior doctors
with an interest in Orthopaedics are
invited to the Future Orthpaedic
Surgeons Society Conference 2010 which
will take place on 13–14 November in
London. 
Stories with the mouse symbol  have more information in the news section
of the HYMS website, where you will also find breaking news, updates and images.
www.hyms.ac.uk/news
Report by HYMS student Karen Ball
THE HYMS GP Society committee
recently hosted the Student Forum
Programme at the Royal College of
General Practitioners Annual Conference,
held at Harrogate International
Conference Centre. HYMS students
Rebecca Cole (president), Karen Ball (vice
president) and Stuart Burgess (secretary)
hosted the morning, which was attended
by students from as far afield as Aberdeen.
The sessions were a huge success,
particularly the rather controversial
debate on the increasing numbers of
women in medicine and the impact this
will have on future sustainability of the
NHS. Students from Leeds and Sheffield
participated in for and against arguments.
We also had a discussion session with
students from other GP societies, a
questions and answer session with trainee
GPs and a talk on what’s happening with
GP training at the moment. During the
morning, the whole conference heard
from the secretary of state for health,
Andrew Lansley who was given quite a
grilling from members of the RCGP on
the new NHS white paper. 
this internal bulletin,
please send them to
Research publications
RECENTpublicationsby
HYMSstaffinclude:
Brennan C, Worrall-Davies A,
McMillanD, GilbodyS, House A
(2010). The Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale: A diagnostic
meta-analysis of case-finding
abilities Journal of Psychosomatic
Research, 69, /371-378. 
McMillanD, GilbodyS, Richards
D (2010). Defining successful
treatment outcome in depression
using the PHQ-9: A comparison of
methods Journal of Affective
Disorders. 
Damy T, Goode KM, Kallvikbacka-
Bennett A, Lewinter C, Hobkirk J,
Nikitin NP, Dubois-Randé JL,
Hittinger L, ClarkAL, ClelandJG.
Determinants and prognostic value
of pulmonary arterial pressure in
patients with chronic heart failure
Eur Heart J 2010 Sep; 31(18): 2280-
90. 
If you have any
contributions for
val.parker
@hyms.ac.uk