Monday, December 30, 2024
The work of research and innovation at Frimley health has been in the spotlight this year.
From local media stories about evolving breast cancer treatments to radio interviews on how the Trust has been advancing prostate research and patient healthcare, the value of R&I projects reached a very wide audience.
Consultant cardiologist Lydia Sturridge highlighted the importance of having more female participation in research with TV and radio interviews on International Women’s Day. Understanding how women respond differently to medications and treatments would mean improvements in health for generations to come.
The significance of research was emphasised throughout the year, from articles on how it has changed treatment for stroke patients at Frimley Health to how we are leading the way in a pioneering study to find a breakthrough for treating thyroid eye disease.
Matt Gardiner, the associate medical director for research at the Trust as well as consultant hand and plastic surgeon, demonstrated the potential for home-grown innovation with the launch of his new hand surgery table. The design improves patient safety as well as the surgical experience. It was made possible thanks to funding from Frimley Health Charity, with one of the charity’s key fundraising principles being to support research at Frimley Health.
“We know research is at the heart of patient care,” said charity director, Andrew House. “We’re so grateful for all the people who support us, from pledging funds to buying one of our lottery tickets. We want them to see they are making a difference in pump priming research innovation, helping improve future healthcare.”
This year 1,441 patients were recruited into studies across the Trust, helping change lives with research.
Frimley Health runs an extensive portfolio of research trials across hospital specialties from emergency medicine to urology. New studies are opening all the time, such as the RAMBOH-1 research trial, which could prove a big step towards developing a disease-modifying drug to treat osteoarthritis, preventing chronic pain and enabling people to live well with the condition.
“Research offers the chance to improve the care and outcomes of many patients beyond Frimley Health. It is exciting to offer new treatments for patients in research studies and then see the results of the studies adopted widely in the NHS and beyond,” added Matt Gardiner.
To find out more about Frimley Health research, and how to register for the newsletter with the latest news and developments from the R&I department, visit Research & Innovation | NHS Frimley Health Foundation Trust.
For questions about research studies, email fhft.research-innovation@nhs.net.