Dr Kasha Singh is exploring opportunities for Peninsula health to take part in clinical trials related to COVID-19.

Clinical Trials Day is celebrated around the world on 20 May to recognize the day that James Lind started what is often considered the first randomized clinical trial aboard a ship on May 20, 1747.  He trialled the use of citrus for the treatment of scurvy. It is reported that there were two participants in each of the 6 arms of the trial. 

Those allocated citrus fruits experienced “the most sudden and good visible effects,” according to Lind’s report on the trial.

Though Lind, according to The James Lind Library, might have left his readers “confused about his recommendations” regarding the use of citrus in curing scurvy, he is “rightly recognized for having taken care to ‘compare like with like’, and the design of his trial may have inspired” and informed future clinical trial design.

Today is an opportunity to recognise the people who develop and conduct clinical trials and to thank them for their contributions to improving the health of individuals and our community.

Clinical Trials are the way to scientifically find a safe and effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. 

Peninsula Health will be participating in trials of COVID-19 treatments and proudly recognises the staff involved.