The Research Department at East Cheshire NHS Trust supports the delivery of high-quality research across the organisation. We work with clinical teams, researchers, sponsors and external partners to ensure research studies are set up, managed and delivered safely, ethically and in line with all regulatory requirements.
The core research team oversees the approval and governance of research studies, ensuring that all necessary ethical, legal and regulatory requirements are met before research can begin and throughout the life of a study.
Working alongside the core team, clinical staff support the day-to-day delivery of research. This includes identifying and recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, carrying out study procedures, collecting and managing research data, and ensuring participants receive safe and effective care throughout their involvement in research.
Together, we enable patients at East Cheshire NHS Trust to access research opportunities and contribute to improving healthcare for future generations.
About Our Research Team
Our Research Team is made up of the Integrated Research Team and the Oncology Research Team, working closely with the Research and Development (R&D) Department.
The team includes research nurses, research midwives, research practitioners, clinical trials administrators, and a research governance facilitator. Together, we support patients who choose to take part in research studies and help ensure studies are delivered safely, ethically, and to the highest standards.
We work in partnership with the North West Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) and follow National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) guidance to bring high-quality research opportunities to our local communities.
The teams support the clinical delivery of the research by informing and consenting participants and can involve performing tests, study procedures and collecting data.
We currently support a wide range of research studies across many specialties, including:
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Respiratory Medicine
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Breast Cancer
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Colorectal Cancer
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General Surgery
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Orthopaedics
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Cardiology
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Haematology
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Paediatrics
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Anaesthetics
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Critical Care
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Gastroenterology
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Hepatology
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Maternity Services
Through research, we aim to improve healthcare by giving patients access to new treatments, technologies, and approaches to care while helping to shape the future of medicine.
Research is an important part of improving healthcare. By taking part in research, patients can help develop better treatments and care for future generations, while sometimes gaining access to new therapies and innovations that are not yet widely available.
Clinical research helps healthcare professionals develop new knowledge and improve understanding of health conditions, treatments and patient care. Research is an important part of healthcare at East Cheshire NHS Trust, enabling us to evaluate new medicines, treatments, technologies and ways of delivering care to improve outcomes for patients.
Research studies delivered at East Cheshire NHS Trust are part of larger regional, national or international research programmes, often known as multi-centre studies. By involving patients from multiple hospitals and healthcare organisations, these studies can generate robust evidence that helps shape future healthcare practice and improve treatments for patients across the NHS.
Contacts
Integrated Research Team: ecn-tr.integratedresearch@nhs.net
Maternity Research Team: ecn-tr.researchmidwife@nhs.net
For more information on our Maternity Research, click here
Oncology Research Team: ecn-tr.oncologyresearch@nhs.net
Research & Development: ecn-tr.researchanddevelopment@nhs.net
For more information on clinical trials click the link:
For more information on the NIHR clinic the link:
Taking part in Research can take on many forms depending on the specific study and the area being studied. However, the process generally involves being presented with a Patient Information Sheet by one of the hospital Research Team. This explains the study, and the expectations should you become involved.
The opportunity to take time to share this with your family and ask questions is always offered.
Following this you will be asked to complete a consent form. This can be completed face to face, over the phone or online, depending on the study. This is usually followed by an appointment to commence study activities. Throughout the study you will be kept informed of all appointments and supported by the Research Team.
Should you change your mind at any point during the study, you can end your involvement, this will not affect your medical treatment in any way.
You can find out more about taking part in research from the following link:
Benefits of Taking Part in Research
Research within a hospital setting tends to be carried out for patients with specific conditions. Patient safety and wellbeing are at the heart of all research carried out at East Cheshire NHS Trust. Before any study can begin, it must undergo a rigorous review process to ensure it meets all ethical, legal and regulatory requirements.
If a research study is available that relates to a condition for which you are receiving care, a member of your clinical team or the Research Team may discuss the opportunity of taking part in research with you. They will explain the purpose of the study, what participation would involve, any potential benefits or risks, and provide you with information to help you make an informed decision.
Taking part in research can offer a range of benefits for patients, although these will vary depending on the study. Research participants have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new treatments, services and approaches to care that may improve healthcare for future patients.
Patients involved in research may:
Gain access to new treatments, interventions or technologies that are not yet widely available.
Receive additional monitoring and follow-up as part of the study.
Play an active role in their healthcare and contribute to advances in medical knowledge.
Help improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases for future generations.
Support the development of evidence that can shape NHS services and improve patient outcomes.
While participation in a research study may not always provide a direct benefit to the individual, every participant makes a valuable contribution to improving healthcare and advancing medical understanding.
At East Cheshire NHS Trust, we are committed to ensuring that all research is conducted safely, ethically and with the needs of our patients at its heart. Our Research Team and clinical staff are available to provide information, answer questions and support patients throughout their research journey.
Patient Stories
Paul was involved in COPD study at MDGH. The study was introduced to him by his respiratory Consultant during an Outpatient Appt. Paul felt that he was fully informed about the study and his suitability to be part of it. His questions were answered fully, and he was given information to look at, at home with his family.
Paul had been involved in Research once before, a couple of years ago (a study looking at Statins). The care he received during this study impacted upon his health in a positive way during this experience.
Paul found that being part of a Research Trial meant that he was seen by his Respiratory Consultant and Research Nurses more frequently. He did not find this a burden; he found this extra care very reassuring. He stated that he felt,” more confident with his care’’, and the team looking after him, “felt like a family; my care was first class”.
Paul stated that his only challenge during his study involvement was completing Spirometry, “he dreaded this, as it was exhausting’’. But eventually he got used to this process and didn’t worry so much.
Paul found being involved with Research almost felt like he, “had a safety net,” in supporting management of his chronic condition. He felt that Research staff would be available to support him at the end of the phone when he was unsure whether he needed to start medications if his symptoms were increasing at home. He felt confident that he would be sign posted to the correct department / service in a timely manner.
Paul would take part in research again if it was the right study for him, and he had spoken to his friends about the support he had received whilst being part of a study.
"For me taking part in the Scotty research project was very straightforward and an easy thing to do" said Peter.
"The aims of the research and why I was a good candidate for it were explained to me in an easy-to-understand way and with absolutely no pressure put on me to take part in the research.
"Due to the nature of the research, there was very little impact on myself and my time, with appointments to sign the consents and to take the required bloods fitted in around my hospital appointments to minimise the amount of impact it would have on myself. If anything due to complications with my treatment and some unplanned hospital admissions, I caused more disruption to the process.
"But Chrissie in the Oncology Research Team kept track of my wellbeing and arranged the appointments to suit.
"Due to the nature of the research project my parents were also asked to take part, and they had a similar experience with clear instructions being posted out to them and everything they needed to take to their GP practice for their bloods to be taken.
"I found the process to be so easy from start to finish that when I was asked by The Christie if I was willing to take part in another research project, I said yes straight away."
Research strategy
Research is a key part of East Cheshire NHS Trust's commitment to delivering outstanding care and improving the health of the communities we serve. Our research strategy aligns with the Trust's wider strategic vision, Our Healthy Future Together, which focuses on patients, people, communities, partnerships and the effective use of resources.
The strategy aims to embed research into everyday clinical practice, ensuring that patients have access to innovative treatments, technologies and care pathways while contributing to the evidence that shapes future healthcare. Through research, we can improve patient outcomes, support continuous learning, and drive innovation across our services.
Research at the Heart of Patient Care
At East Cheshire NHS Trust, we believe that research is everyone's responsibility and an essential part of providing high-quality healthcare. By integrating research into routine care, we can offer patients access to the latest developments in medicine and healthcare while helping to shape the treatments and services of the future.
Through collaboration, innovation and a commitment to excellence, our research programme supports the Trust's purpose: to deliver outstanding care and improve the health of all the people we serve
Worldwide timeline for clinical research
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