Research Practice

We are a Research Practice and participate in several research studies annually.

We are a research-active practice and work with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) to support NHS research studies. We participate in several research projects each year to help improve healthcare, treatments and patient outcomes.

Medical research is essential in helping us find the most effective treatments for common conditions. As a practice, we carefully select studies that we believe may benefit our patients and the wider NHS. From time to time, you may be invited to take part in a research study. There is no obligation to participate, and your decision will not affect the care or treatment you receive.

As part of our involvement in research, experienced NIHR RRDN research staff work alongside our practice team. These professionals, together with authorised practice staff, may access patient records to identify individuals who may be eligible for research opportunities and to support recruitment and follow-up for clinical studies. This processing is carried out under the lawful bases of Article 6 (Public Task) and Article 9 (Substantial Public Interest) of the UK GDPR. Your privacy and data security remain fully protected at all times. Any eligible patients will be contacted by the practice and asked for their consent before any further research-related activity takes place. This approach also supports the NHS and NIHR commitment to improving equitable access to research opportunities.

The Practice also contributes anonymised data for approved healthcare research purposes. These schemes are subject to appropriate ethical and governance oversight. The data provided is anonymised, meaning that individuals cannot be identified by researchers outside the Practice.

In addition, we contribute anonymised records to a database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). This database is managed by an organisation outside the NHS that does not have access to your personal details, only anonymised medical records. The data is used for research into areas such as medicine safety, disease trends, prescribing patterns, public health and health economics.

If any research project requires additional information from you, or your direct involvement, you will be contacted and given full information before deciding whether to participate. You will not be identified in any published research findings.

If you would like to know more about research at the Practice or have any concerns about how your information is used, please contact the Practice Manager, on 01395 441 212.