Retirement of Lesley Peebles

Lesley joined the School in 1989 as Research Sister at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology working with Professor Tom MacDonald and others to help develop the Hypertension Research Centre and Cardiovascular Risk Clinic service. In 1998, she was awarded the Certificate in Clinical Research (Distinction) from Liverpool John Moore's University and was awarded the ACRPI prize for best student.

With the introduction of ICHGCP in the late 1990s and the transposition of EU Clinical Trials Directive into UK CT Regulations in 2004, Lesley had a pivotal role in establishing Tayside GCP Training Committee, leading the development of, and delivering, GCP training and support for Tayside clinical researchers. Lesley also played a key role in the planning and later building of the present CRC which was formally opened in 2008 by Nicola Sturgeon, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health.

In addition to the CRC, she was instrumental in the development of the Gannochy Research suite at the Perth Royal Infirmary. Since the formation of TASC in 2010, Lesley has continued to lead the Research Nurse function of TASC with selfless dedication and leadership-by-example, enabling the growth of Tayside clinical research in both breadth and depth. She has played an active role on numerous local and national clinical research committees and initiatives and is held in very high regard by the whole clinical research community, both Scotland and UK-wide.

Her vision, thoughtful and considerate approach to problem solving as well as her steely determination to succeed has contributed significantly to successful clinical trials work the entire CRC team under her leadership have achieved, particularly during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

We are sure you will join us in thanking Lesley for her considerable contribution to the School wider community and wish her all the very best for a long, happy and healthy retirement. No doubt she will now have more time to showcase her fantastic vocal talents with her choir going forward!

Jacob George and Rory McCrimmon