Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke joins national paediatric research network

The Children’s Emergency Department (CED) at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke has joined the Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland (PERUKI) network.
 
The CED, based at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), is now part of the national collaboration, which brings together leading centres to improve care for children through high-quality research.
 
Following a recent submission outlining its growing research activity, the CED has been awarded a three-star PERUKI rating, placing it among just 22 top sites in the UK and Ireland, alongside some of the UK’s leading paediatric centres, and is now eligible to be named PERUKI Site of the Year.
 
Dr. Mikhail Vella-Baldacchino, consultant in paediatric emergency medicine, who has helped lead the team in developing paediatric research, said: “The achievement reflects the work of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including our clinicians and UHNM’s Research and Innovation (R&I) Department. Over the past 18 months, the team has significantly expanded research activity within the CED, including participation in major national studies which aim to improve treatment and outcomes for young patients.

“We have a fantastic children’s hospital and a hugely committed team, so we knew we had the potential to do more. To now be part of PERUKI and recognised at this level is a proud moment for everyone involved. This is very much a team effort, and there are so many people behind the scenes who have made this possible.”
 
Jack Watson, senior paediatric research practitioner said: “We want to continue building on this momentum by opening more studies and giving patients and families access to new and emerging treatments. Research can offer additional options and hope, particularly for those who may have exhausted standard treatments.”
 
Marie Ward, senior paediatric research practitioner added: “Research is about making a difference for future patients. The work we’re doing now will help shape care for children in the years to come, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
 
Sarah Jones-Faulkner, head of R&I, said: “This milestone highlights UHNM’s commitment to developing paediatric research and creating more opportunities for clinicians to get involved. By building a strong research culture within the CED, the team hopes to attract further studies, support innovation and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people.”
 
The PERUKI Site of the Year award will be announced later this year.