NHS Research Team shortlisted for the CRN East Midlands Research Awards 2021

The Research Team within the county’s NHS provider of mental health, learning disabilities and autism services, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), has been named a finalist for ‘Outstanding Achievement by a Team’ at the CRN East Midlands Research Awards 2021.

This category provides recognition of the outstanding achievements of research teams in the East Midlands, and awards teams that have gone above and beyond what would normally be expected to achieve outstanding results.

Dr Ananta Dave, Medical Director at LPFT, nominated the team for their positive team spirit, work ethic, “can do” attitude and exceptional contribution to clinical research.

Dr Dave said:

“Our Research Team do everything they can to ensure that participants have a positive experience and are empowered to take part in further studies in the future. 98% of LPFT research participants say they would consider taking part in research again.

“They actively encourage our community to be part of local and national research which aims to better understand and prevent health problems. Without these vital studies and amazing volunteers, it would be impossible to develop treatments and improve quality of care.”

The nomination for the award included several key achievements from recent years, including successful bids for pilot study funding, upskilling and providing research experience for doctors, the #LincsJDR300 Join Dementia Research campaign, and involvement in urgent Public Health trials.

LPFT is one of only a handful of mental health and learning disability trusts nationally to be part of the SIREN study, which researches immunity and COVID-19. Over 90 staff at the Trust were successfully recruited and the data collected helped to inform the national COVID-19 response and vaccination programme.

Tracy McCranor, Clinical Research Manager at LPFT, said:

“Being a finalist for the CRN East Midlands Research Awards is a great achievement for the team who have worked tirelessly and adapted quickly to deliver urgent COVID-19 trials during the pandemic.

“The team have proven their resilience and ambition, and demonstrated their skills in translating NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) priorities into swift action at a local level.”

To find out more about getting involved in research with LPFT, please visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/research