Our Services A - Z - Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Department

At MWL we participate in studies to promote medical research and improve care in the future for certain conditions. We already know a lot about health, disease and medicines in the NHS, but there is so much more to find out. Research can answer these uncertainties and provide the evidence to drive better treatment outcomes for patients within the NHS.

Our Research and Development (R&D) teams work closely with the clinical divisions within the hospitals to ensure we can offer patients the opportunity to participate in high quality research that has been approved by an independent ethical body.

The Trust recognises that participation in clinical research demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of care we offer both by helping ensure our clinical staff stay abreast of the latest possible treatment options and because active participation in research leads to successful patient outcomes.

• Email: research@sthk.nhs.uk
• Enquiry Line: 0151 290 4898

Taking part in research

If you are a patient with us, you may be asked by a consultant / healthcare practitioner or approached by a research nurse / midwife to see if you would like to take part in a study or you may receive an invitation in the post.

At the Trust we take part in a range of research studies, including: gastro enterology, rheumatology, infection prevention, paediatrics, maternity and other medical and surgical specialities. Some research studies just involve surveys and interviews, others may look at the effect of drugs and treatments.

You can be reassured that all research will first have been approved by an ethical committee which is independent from the hospital. Taking part is voluntary and you may change your mind at any time.

If you are invited to take part in a research study, you will be given a patient information leaflet that is specific to that study.

We are supported by the North West Coast Local Research Network which is part of the NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

To find out more details about the work of the NIHR go to: Patients, carers and the public | NIHR