WIRRAL University Teaching Hospital has launched its new research an innovation strategy following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its research studies involve patients accessing clinical services at both their Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospital sites. 

Over the past five years, an average of 80 studies each year have been co-ordinated by their research department and delivered by teams of local principal investigators, research nurses, pharmacists, laboratory and other clinical support staff.

Launching the Strategy, Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their input in the development of this strategy, it gives us clear insight into where we are now, and in identifying our priorities for the next five years. 

“This document clearly sets out our intentions that research and innovation will be recognised as integral to everything we do, and is underpinned by our research and innovation vision: Tomorrow’s outstanding care is built on today’s best research.” 

The COVID-19 Pandemic has been a catalyst for a surge in interest in research, both within the NHS and in the public

Pre-pandemic between 600 and 700 participants typically took part in research at WUTH each year.

During the pandemic this increased to over 2,500 in 2020-2021 and more than 1,600 in 2021-2022. The number of participants in non-COVID-19 studies is beginning to recover.

In 2021-22, around 350 participants took part in non-COVID studies, an increase of over 200 compared to 2020-2021. 

The strategy aims to ensure that the trust is able to build on good practice and grow their research portfolio, so that more patients benefit from improved experiences and outcomes. 

The WUTH Research and Innovation Strategy is published on the WUTH website: https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/about-us/key-documents-and-information/wuth-strategy-2021-26/