Record number of patients take part in research at UHNM
A record number of patients have taken part in research studies at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
Latest figures from UHNM’s Research and Innovation (R&I) department show that more than 2,600 patients took part in a research study at either the Royal Stoke University Hospital or County Hospital in Stafford during the period April 2024 to March 2025.
In total 2,635 patients agreed to take part in one of more than 100 studies taking place across UHNM, almost a 30 per cent increase on figures from the previous year.
Sarah Jones-Faulkner, head of research and innovation at UHNM said: “We are incredibly proud to have reached a record number of patients taking part in research at UHNM over the past year. This achievement is not just a statistic, it reflects the trust and willingness of our patients to contribute to studies that are shaping the future of healthcare. Their involvement enables us to accelerate innovation, improve treatments, and make a real difference to patient outcomes both locally and nationally.
“Our R&I team works hand in hand with clinicians across every specialty, from acute and emergency care to cancer, cardiology, paediatrics and beyond. Together, we are creating opportunities for patients to access pioneering therapies that would not otherwise be available on the NHS, while at the same time gathering vital evidence to improve tomorrow’s standards of care.”
One of the patients involved in research at UHNM is Bernadette Sykes from Sneyd Green. The 69-year-old former electricity board worker was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2013 following a routine GP visit. She underwent radiotherapy and surgery at UHNM, resulting in a stoma and describes the care she received as “marvellous” and “brilliant.”
Now living with kidney failure and receiving dialysis, Bernadette has recently joined the PHOSPHATE trial, which is examining whether a lower or higher phosphate level in dialysis patients can improve life expectancy, heart health and quality of life.
Bernadette said: “I might not benefit from this research, but somebody in the future might. Somebody must have done the first stoma operation years ago, and thanks to research and innovation, people like me have been able to benefit.
“When my consultant asked if I would be interested in taking part in research, I said yes straight away. It doesn’t affect my treatment and if it helps others, that is what matters to me. Research might appear to be about small steps, but those small steps can make a big difference to somebody’s life. If you are in a position to take part I think it’s essential to do so.”
As a ‘research active’ Trust, clinicians from UHNM work in partnership with leading professors and research scientists from Keele University, the University of Staffordshire and other universities nationally, as well as conducting studies funded by fellowships and grants awarded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). UHNM also supports national studies and trials run by other NHS researchers.
UHNM supports commercial research, a study that is fully sponsored and funded by a commercial company such as an independent pharmaceutical or medical technology company.
In December 2024 it was announced that UHNM has been awarded £3.1 million in government funding as part of a national initiative to establish one of 20 new Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) across the UK. The investment will allow UHNM’s R&I team to expand access to pioneering clinical trials in areas such as cancer, obesity and infectious diseases, offering patients earlier and easier access to innovative treatments not yet available on the NHS.
UHNM has also created a Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and AHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE), providing support to hundreds of UHNM nurses, midwives and allied health professionals who want to engage with and lead research in their clinical practice through work-based projects and academic and research development across UHNM.
Sarah added: “With the recent investment in our new CRDC, UHNM is building a sustainable research culture that is inclusive, collaborative and firmly rooted in patient-centred care. We want every patient, regardless of their background to feel research is something they can be part of.”
Any enquires about research at UHNM should email research@uhnm.nhs.uk.