About Us
Research is fundamental for continued improvement in Health and Social Care and is essential for development in health, wellbeing and the delivery of high-quality care. There is strong evidence to support that a good level of research activity within a trust has a positive impact on overall patient care outcomes, and the CQC recognises this as part of best practice indicators.
The Sherwood Forest Research Team are renowned for their dedication and commitment to research studies, this is evidenced in how many studies are recruiting to time and target. We are often approached by commercial companies to undertake their clinical trials within the NHS setting.
Research and Innovation regularly work collaboratively with other NHS trusts and the Primary Care network. This is providing a wider opportunity for patients to take part in research.

Urgent Public Health (UPH) Research
In March 2020 the Research & Innovation team began one of their toughest challenges to date, the COVID-19 pandemic.
UPH research became our priority, and we were eager to begin the fight against this unknown disease. Over the course of the pandemic, 13 COVID-19/UPH studies have opened to recruitment. Many of which are ongoing.
We are extremely proud to have contributed to the world's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and of the success, we have had.
For more information about the NIHR’s response to COVID-19 please follow the links below:
NIHR Covid-19 Response Covid-19 Research FAQ's

Research Champions
The purpose of a Research Champion is to improve awareness and promotion of clinical research and improve departmental working relations. This links in with the trusts CARE values and the 2-year vision.
The Research Champion role is now an official link role. It involves helping to identify suitable patients for research studies in your area. Full training is provided and updated annually. This will provide our patients with wider opportunities to participate in research, helping to benefit future treatments and outcomes.
If you would like to become a Research Champion or have any questions, please contact Philip Buckley on x2521 or philip.buckley@nhs.net or Terri-Ann Sewell on x3990 or terri.sewell@nhs.net.

Lynne Allsop and Emily Langthorne our 1st Nurse to join us on the Research Academy in 2019
Research Academy
Much like a Research Champion the purpose of the Research Academy is to improve awareness and promotion of clinical research, increase patients’ opportunity to take part in research and improve departmental working relations.
The role involves joining the research team 1 day per week for 12 months, working alongside the research nurses in identifying, consenting, and recruiting patients into research studies and clinical trials.
Once the Academy is completed it is expected that delegates will return to their departments, with a specialist knowledge of research at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and that this knowledge will be used to integrate research into everyday practice.
If you are interested in participating in the academy, please contact Lynne Allsop, Research Matron on 01623 622515 x3313 or lynne.allsop1@nhs.net.
The Recovery (UPH) Trial
The Recovery trial opened at SFH in March 2020 and has tested a range of potential treatments for the Virus. In June 2020 the trial was successful in finding that Dexamethasone reduces death for patients with Covid -19 and is now part of the standard care given for the virus. In February 2021 Sherwood Forest were delighted to have received the press release showing that Tocilizumab an anti-inflammatory treatment also reduces the risk of death in patients hospitalised with Covid -19. Sherwood Forest have recruited over 400 patients to this study and are making a huge contribution to the findings.
Roger Wyles STAMPEAD Trial Participant
