Publish date: 1 July 2025
Mid Cheshire Hospitals has launched a project to promote clinical research opportunities that can change or save lives.
Earlier this year the NHS Trust began creating a network of ‘champions’ to become a vital link between its research team, clinical colleagues and patients.
Staff at Leighton Hospital, Victoria Infirmary Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre were encouraged to sign up to become advocates in their wards or departments.
The Trust has now recruited 61 research champions who will help to raise awareness of studies that patients may be eligible to join.
Chief Executive Officer Ian Moston joined the group for a launch event at Leighton Hospital to celebrate the achievement.
As part of the project, Mid Cheshire Hospitals is also installing research information boards in each of its divisions to provide patients, relatives and staff with details of the opportunities on offer.
The Trust aims to increase the number of these information points as the project progresses.
The latest board was recently unveiled near the Critical Care department at Leighton Hospital, with information including trials that are currently taking place, contact details for the research team, and a section about the hospital’s ‘research active’ approach.
Claire Gabriel, NIHR Senior Research Leader for Nursing and Midwifery at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “Our champions are helping to create a culture where research is part of everyday care. These dedicated colleagues and our information boards will make it easier for patients to get involved and understand how important research is for the NHS.
“For people taking part in research there is no guarantee that they will personally benefit, so patients are signing up selflessly for the good of others. If we can encourage more people to do this, it will help us to push forwards towards the next innovative clinical advances and ultimately improve patient care.”
Mid Cheshire Hospitals’ research team contributes to large national and international studies, as well as local pilot projects, all of which aim to make significant advances in patient care.
This can include drug trials, screening studies, questionnaires, or a combination of these.
Scott Malton, Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, attended the launch of the Trust’s latest research information board.
He said: “Every patient deserves the opportunity to benefit from research that could change or even save lives.
“Our research champions will make sure these opportunities are visible and accessible, and that our Trust remains at the forefront of innovation and evidence-based care.”
For more information and to apply to take part in research, patients should visit mcht.nhs.uk/research
