NIHR Blackpool CRDC

14/11/2025

📢 Exciting News!

We’re thrilled to launch our November Research & Development Newsletter – your go-to source for the latest updates from the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Research and Development Team. View breakthroughs, and opportunities in clinical research across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.

✅ What’s inside?

Cutting-edge studies and trials
Insights from our research teams
Patient and public involvement highlights
Upcoming events and ways to get involved

Join us on this journey to advance healthcare through research. Help us help you, through research.

👉 View now and stay informed:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/nFf5vezoKGC3YE27?ref=Link

Research and Development at Blackpool Teaching hospitals hosts the Blackpool Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), a dedicated centre focused on the delivery of commercial clinical research. We

04/11/2025

🎃🧁 A huge thank you to the incredible Rossini2 study team for the Halloween treats! Your sweet gesture was a real treat for our staff—and a perfect reminder of the amazing work you’re doing to improve surgical outcomes across the UK. 👏

🧪 The Rossini2 trial is a major phase III, multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) study investigating how novel in-theatre interventions can reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. These include antimicrobial sutures, wound-edge protection devices, negative pressure therapy, and antiseptic skin prep techniques—all tested in real-world settings to find the most effective combinations for safer recoveries. 🏥

📈 Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be part of this national effort, having recently celebrated our 200th participant milestone thanks to the dedication of our research nurses, surgical teams, and support staff. 💙

🔗 Learn more about Rossini2 and its impact:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/bctu/trials/coloproctology/rossini-2

03/11/2025

🌟 Meet the Research Champion

At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Research Champions are the heartbeat of our research culture—bridging the gap between clinical practice and innovation. These dedicated individuals inspire colleagues, empower patients, and help shape the future of healthcare through research.

👩‍⚕️ Spotlight: Heather Leonard - Specialised Clinical Physiologist in Respiratory and Sleep.

Why did you become a Research Champion?

“I became a research champion to help support the research department. The research department have a variety of opportunities to help patients with different trials and research is important to gather this data to help improve future patient care.

With each trial they require data collection and even though the tests I do to gather data is only a small part, it helps overall in the long-term, which is rewarding in itself and to benefit future generations.

Research also provides insight into many different topics for research that you do not always realise is needed and meeting new patients.”

What research are you involved in and how does it help patients?

“I have been involved in Respiratory Research and performing Pulmonary Function tests.

The most recent study I have been involved in was with paediatrics and management of asthma. This research study gave me a change to my daily work schedule as we do not regularly test children, which is a lovely experience as they can be excited and put in lots of effort for each test.

This study will not only help future asthma management for children but it also helped me continually develop my communications skills with this patient group to ensure I achieve the correct results but make sure they have a good experience even though they are in a hospital.”

🤝 Join the Movement

Whether you're a seasoned clinician or just starting your NHS journey, becoming a Research Champion is a chance to:

* Make a tangible difference in patient care.
* Drive innovation and collaboration.
* Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of healthcare in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.

To express interest, email bfwh.researchchampions@nhs.net or fill in the link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO4x1Nng35-udLhU5OpvjY54VUMUNOU04wNzFLU0ZIVTU4VVIzNThVVzMwUy4u

30/10/2025

🎓 Calling all healthcare professionals at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust!

Looking to expand your research experience and connect with leading experts?

The NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre is offering a Healthcare Professional Placement Scheme — a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on research exposure, develop new skills, and contribute to cutting-edge clinical studies.

🔗 https://www.manchesterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/training/healthcare-professional-placement-scheme/

Let’s grow research together.

💡

Are you a Nurse, Midwife, Allied Health Professional, or other NHS healthcare professional looking to develop hands-on clinical research skills?

14/10/2025

🎉 Celebrating AHP Day 2025 at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust🎉

📅 Tuesday 14 October 2025

Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible contributions of our Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)—the third-largest clinical workforce in the NHS—whose dedication, innovation, and compassion shape the future of healthcare every day.

At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust AHPs are not only delivering exceptional care but also driving forward research and development that transforms lives. From physiotherapists and dietitians to operating department practitioners and speech and language therapists, our AHPs are leading the way in embedding research into practice.

🙌 Join the Movement

Whether you're an aspiring AHP, a seasoned practitioner, or a member of our wider healthcare community, today is a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate the impact of AHPs in research and care.

📢

02/10/2025

🎗️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️

At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we proudly stand with our patients, families, and communities in the fight against breast cancer. This month, we celebrate the incredible work of our Research Team, whose compassion, expertise, and dedication guide patients through their clinical trial journeys — from first contact to follow-up care. 💙

Our Research & Development team is actively involved in pioneering studies that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by breast cancer. Here are just a few of the groundbreaking trials we’re proud to be part of:

🔬 ELEGANT Trial
A global Phase III study comparing elacestrant with standard endocrine therapies in patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence — aiming to improve long-term survival and reduce relapse.

🧬 INAVO 122 Study
This Phase III trial investigates inavolisib, a targeted therapy for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who carry the PIK3CA gene mutation, in combination with Phesgo — offering hope for more effective maintenance treatment.

💡 ATNEC Trial
A UK-led Phase III study exploring whether axillary treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) can be safely omitted in patients with early-stage breast cancer who show no residual cancer in lymph nodes after chemotherapy — potentially reducing long-term side effects and improving quality of life.

📊 EVOLVE Study
An ambispective, patient-centred observational study designed to better understand the real-world experience of patients with early-stage breast cancer. EVOLVE collects medical records and patient-reported outcomes to explore treatment patterns, side effects, and quality of life — helping shape future care and research priorities.

👏 The countless positive feedback from patients, families, sponsors, and staff is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and compassionate care. Your commitment is helping shape the future of breast cancer treatment — and we couldn’t be prouder.

📍 Be part of research: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Find out how you can take part in health and care research through Be Part of Research

29/09/2025

🎯 Have Your Say in Health & Social Care Research!

🧠💬 Join the PPIE Group at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast? Do you want to help shape the future of local health and social care research?

👥 We’re inviting patients, carers, community members, and local voices to join our Public, Patient Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) group.

✨ Why get involved?

* Share your lived experiences and ideas 💡
* Influence research that matters to your community 🏥
* Help tackle health inequalities in our area 🌍
* Be part of something that makes a real difference ❤️

📢 Whether you’re new to research or already involved, your voice matters.

🔗 Get involved today and help us shape a healthier future — together.

📍Sign up:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO4x1Nng35-udLhU5OpvjY54VURTRBQUw3V1MwRUtZMTBKUU5JTVY2RjhWVy4u

📧 Or email us at: matthew.bond@nhs.net

🟦 Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust– Research & Development

29/09/2025

❤️ World Heart Day 2025 ❤️

Today, we celebrate the incredible work being done to protect and improve heart health — and we’re proud to shine a light on our very own Cardiac Research Team here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

As a specialist Cardiac Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals leads the way in pioneering Cardiac Clinical Trials that help shape the future of Cardiac and Cardiovascular care. From innovative treatments to life-saving interventions, our researchers are at the heart of progress.

👏 A huge thank you to our dedicated Cardiac Research team for their tireless commitment to advancing heart health through research and development. Your work is helping patients across the Fylde Coast — and beyond — live longer, healthier lives.

🔬💙

26/09/2025

Celebrating Emma Ward: AHP Research Leader of the Future

We are thrilled to announce that Emma Ward, Research and Development Operating Department Practitioner, has been successfully selected for the NIHR Developing Research Leaders Programme for Allied Health Professionals 2025!

This prestigious three-year programme, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is designed to empower Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) to become influential research leaders within their organisations. Emma’s selection is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and passion for embedding research into clinical practice.

What the Programme Involves:

• Funded protected time (0.4 FTE, equivalent to 2 days/week) at Agenda for Change Band 8a to lead research initiatives.

• Opportunities to develop and lead projects that improve health and care services through research.

• Support to mentor and inspire other AHPs to engage in research.

• Access to a collaborative community of developing research leaders.

• Participation in quarterly events, leadership development sessions, bespoke learning resources, and mentorship.

• A focus on inclusive and equitable research practices, ensuring diverse voices shape the future of health and care research.

Emma will be joining a national cohort of motivated AHPs who are committed to building research capacity and fostering a positive research culture across health and social care settings, whilst also working part time in her current role in Research and Development at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

'I am pleased to have been selected for the NIHR DRL Programme, it's a fantastic opportunity not only for myself, but for the trust and our AHP workforce. My aim is to promote a positive and inclusive research culture across the organisation. This is the first year AHP's have been eligible to apply for the programme, which demonstrates the need for more AHP research engagement nationally'.

Her success reflects not only her personal excellence but also the growing recognition of the vital role Operating Department Practitioners play in advancing evidence-based practice.

Please join us in congratulating Emma on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing the impact of her leadership over the coming years!

🔗 Learn more about the NIHR Developing Research Leaders Programme:

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/career-development/research-leaders-courses-and-support/developing-research-leaders-programme-allied-health-professionals