New Research Opportunities Taking Place in our PCN
Eight of our ten practices are now actively offering research opportunities to patients, showing strong engagement across the PCN. One practice has progressed to Level 2 research, while seven are at Level 1. Each participating site has a GP and admin who’ve completed the RCGP and GCP training, ensuring research readiness.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
We’ve expressed interest in eight diverse studies, including Sweet Sensing in Type 2 Diabetes, INDIGO study which is exploring patient perspectives 12 months post-cancer diagnosis, and 5PACE which is gathering insights from our practice nurses. This variety reflects our commitment to addressing different patient needs and professional experiences across the PCN.
Research Funding News
We’re excited to have secured £10,600 of funding from the Research Ready Development Network (RRDN), part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), to boost research in care homes and establish a PCN Patient Participation Group (PPG), ensuring patient voices shape research in their practices. Plus, we’ve submitted a capital funding bid to NIHR for cutting-edge research equipment, fingers crossed for a positive outcome in September 2025 to further empower our practices and patients!
Research Admin Update
Laura Daniels has been with the PCN since 2019 and now coordinates our research administration. She manages funding applications, handles expressions of interest, and oversees daily research operations, working closely with NIHR contacts to keep projects on track. Laura shares, “I have really enjoyed setting up this new research service for our PCN. Being involved from the ground up to establish governance and structure has been rewarding. Collaborating with practice managers and our PCN Patient Participation Group ensures patients stay informed about research opportunities. Welcoming a research nurse to the team marks an exciting next step in expanding our capabilities.
Be Part of Research
You can find out more about the research your practice is a part of by visiting their website. Nationally, be part of Research is a free service which makes it easy to find and take part in vital health and care research across the UK. Register your interest in taking part in research by following this link bepartofresearch.
ENRICH Research in Care Homes
A teams meeting is taking place at 2pm on Thursday 11th September 2025 for local Care Homes to learn more about taking part in research. Beth Myles and Rosie Brodie from NIHR will be talking through the process and answering any questions you may have. Email laura.daniels2@nhs.net to receive a link to join us for the teams meeting. Click the link to learn more about ENRICH here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/support-and-services/support-for-delivering-research/enabling-research-in-care-homes
Research News
You can read about Exciting research updates here.