6,000 people take part in Bolton NHS clinical trials

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust recruited the participants across more than 50 studies over the past year.

The research focused on areas including reproductive health, genetics, neonatal care and community-based trials, and coincides with International Clinical Trials Day.

Alison Loftus, head of research and development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s been another remarkable year when it comes to delivering world-leading research studies in Bolton.

“We would like to thank everyone, from our colleagues who help to support research to our individuals who consent to taking part, as without them we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to discover new ways of treating illnesses and conditions.”

One major study currently underway is OBS UK, which tests a standardised care bundle to manage heavy bleeding during and after childbirth.

Another is the Generation Study, a genomic screening project for newborns to detect more than 200 rare but treatable genetic conditions.

Neonatal services at the trust have exceeded recruitment goals in several studies, thanks to support from across medical, nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professional teams.

There has also been a shift towards delivering research in community settings, in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s goal of making clinical trials more accessible and inclusive.

Recent community-based studies include the TRICEPS trial, which is exploring whether nerve stimulation and home-based rehabilitation can improve arm and hand recovery following a stroke.

The REDUCe-2 study is examining whether long-term abdominal drains can improve the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.

Bolton is also contributing to Genes & Health, the world’s largest community-based genetics and health study focused on British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani populations.

Ms Loftus said: “Our continued focus to work beyond traditional hospital settings to deliver ground-breaking research is creating potentially life-changing outcomes.”

If you would like to find out more about research opportunities in Bolton, visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.