Health column: why health research is Wigan's secret weapon for better care
This week’s health column from Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust looks at the importance of research.
Research isn't just an academic exercise; it is the fundamental engine that drives better care, better recovery and healthier lives for the people of Wigan.
Across Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), a dedicated network of around 70 clinical “research champions” are working behind the scenes.
These healthcare staff act as ambassadors, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and new treatments directly to benefit our local patients.
To celebrate these great strides, WWL recently hosted a special research showcase at the Wrightington Conference Centre, chaired by WWL’s Deputy Chair and non-executive director for the Trust, Francine Thorpe, who is a strong research advocate.
The event, organised by Clinical Leads for Research Avril Platt and Helen Hindle, along with the Research Team, brought together like-minded people from across Greater Manchester to spotlight how local research is changing lives right here in the Wigan borough.
And the real-world impact of this work is profound.
Take Kellie Leatherbarrow, an Operating Department Practitioner and Dementia Champion. She shared her journey of developing a ‘Dementia Healthcare Passport’, a brilliant initiative recently published in the Journal of Perioperative Practice.
Her work directly improves communication and care for vulnerable dementia patients when they need to visit the operating theatre.
Delegates also heard from Consultant Pharmacist Ðula Alićehajić-Bečić, who demonstrated how her research is directly improving the lives of our elderly frailty patients; and Cristina Cerezo Garcia, who is leading vital new physiotherapy research into shoulder injuries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Martin Farrier, Director of Digital Medicine, explained how WWL is safely unlocking the power of data to pioneer future medical breakthroughs in line with the national NHS agenda.
Also speaking was Kate McMahon, a Speech and Language Therapist and Knowledge Mobilisation Champion. Kate shared her inspiring journey of securing funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Applied Research Collaborative.
Her vital role focuses on ensuring that the latest groundbreaking research findings don’t simply sit in medical journals but are pulled into everyday practice to directly benefit patients across WWL.
Closing the inspiring event, WWL’s vice-chairman Francine Thorpe celebrated the dedication of the teams, noting how the energy in the room perfectly reflected the growing ambition of WWL and its staff.
WWL is heavily investing in training and shadowing to empower more staff to lead medical breakthroughs. It’s all part of the Trust’s bold ambition to become a designated University Hospital in the near future.
How You Can Get Involved
Research doesn't happen in a vacuum - it needs you. The best health research relies on the diverse experiences of real patients and local residents. By getting involved, you can help shape the future of medicine for generations to come.
Whether you want to participate in a clinical trial, contribute to a study, or learn more about how WWL is driving the future of healthcare, the Research Team would love to hear from you.
To discover how you can take part in life-changing local research, visit the research section at wwl.nhs.uk or ask your clinician about ongoing studies.