Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s Research Delivery Team is celebrating another year of delivering research that’s making a difference in the lives of Bolton’s communities, to mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026.
Over the past year, the team has recruited more than 6,000 participants across over 50 research studies, demonstrating the growing strength of research delivery across Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester region.
A major highlight has been the ongoing success of reproductive health research, with large scale studies including:
- OBS UK: Testing a standardised “care bundle” to manage heavy bleeding during and after childbirth.
- The Generation Study: Genomic testing of newborn babies to screen for over 200 rare, treatable genetic conditions.
Alongside this, the Trust’s Neonatal service has delivered standout commitment to research with numerous studies surpassing recruitment targets thanks to the continued support from medical, nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professional teams.
Bringing research closer to where people live
To help bring research closer to where people live, the Research Delivery team have move towards a community-based approach to deliver world-leading studies.
This shift reflects the ambitions of the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) to ensure opportunities to take part in research and more accessible and inclusive for communities.
Recent success include:
- The TRICEPS trial which is investigating whether arm and hand recovery after a stroke can be improved using Nerve Stimulation and home based rehabilitation
- REDUCe-2, which is evaluating whether using long-term abdominal drains at home improves the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.
- Genes & Health is the world’s largest community-based genetics and health study focused on British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani communities. The study aims to improve health outcomes for these communities both across the UK and internationally. By supporting inclusive participation in research and improving understanding of conditions that affect underserved populations, the study also supports Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in delivering its vision to reduce health inequalities and ensure that local communities have equitable access to research opportunities and future healthcare innovation.
Alison Loftus, Head of Research and Development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“It’s been another remarkable year when it comes to delivering world-leading research studies in Bolton.
“We would like to thank everyone, from our colleagues who help to support research to our individuals who consent to taking part, as without them we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to discover new ways of treating illnesses and conditions.
“Our continued to focus to work beyond traditional hospital settings to deliver ground-breaking research is creating potentially life-changing outcomes.”
Continuing to make a difference in the lives of our communities
Looking ahead, Bolton’s research workforce will continue to strengthen partnerships within the organisation, community groups, public health teams, higher education institutions, and the wider Bolton population to support collaborative research that improves lives, strengthens healthcare and ensures everyone has the opportunity to take part in research.
If you would like to find out more about research opportunities in Bolton, please visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.
