On 15th January 2025, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) proudly welcomed the first of its two research buses, marking an exciting milestone in its mission to bring health research directly to the heart of local communities. Neil Carr OBE, Chief Executive of MPFT, Jackie Small, Chair of MPFT Board and Ruth Lambley-Burke, Director of Research and Innovation at MPFT were on hand to cut the ribbon and officially unveil the innovative new resource.
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has successfully supported a bid to establish one of the UK’s new National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) to expand access to innovative clinical trials and deliver life-changing treatments to some of the UK’s most underserved communities.
On 7th November 2024, over 100 professionals gathered to explore the theme Windows of Opportunity: Innovations in Care. The event featured insightful sessions on virtual reality in care, green spaces, and stigma in mental health. Attendees enjoyed engaging talks, poster presentations, and the inspiring Breaking and Mending conversation with Dr Joanna Cannon.
A new Lancet Commission on self-harm, co-authored by Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), was published on October 10th to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The report addresses the global issue of self-harm, revealing that at least 14 million episodes occur annually, with young people being particularly affected. The Commission emphasizes the need for compassionate care, increased understanding, and better access to resources to support those impacted by self-harm worldwide.
MPFT’s Research and Innovation Department proudly supports #Red4Research 2024, celebrating the people and progress driving healthcare research. Join us in showcasing achievements, sharing projects, and highlighting the power of collaboration in improving lives.
The British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder (BIGSPD) conference in Belfast showcased significant contributions from the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT). Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience, delivered a plenary on co-production and lived experience leadership. Additionally, Dr. Gary Lamph was announced as the new Co-President of BIGSPD, emphasizing the organisation’s commitment to collaborative leadership.
In its first year, the 'Starting Out in Health and Social Care Research' course has made a remarkable impact, enrolling over 1,300 learners from 88 countries. This innovative, free online course, created by the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) in partnership with Keele University, and the University of Worcester, offers comprehensive guidance designed to equip health and social care professionals with essential research skills, empowering them to take their first steps into the world of research.
Two researchers from Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery and MPFT’s Professor Rheumatology Nursing are looking to inspire nurses and Allied Health Professionals to become more involved in research.
'Highly Commended Bob Beattie Postgraduate Recognition Award' goes to Natasha, a Rheumatology trainee at MPFT currently undertaking a PhD at Keele University. Alongside her training and studies, Natasha is an active participant in the postgraduate community at Keele.
A project funded by a grant from the Office for Life Sciences aimed to develop a wearable overdose detection wristband, The Brave Inclusion Overdose (BIO) Wristband, in collaboration with opioid users. Running from September to December 2023, the project involved focus groups, interviews, and trials with hostel residents and staff. The wristband, designed to emit an alarm upon detecting a lack of movement, was well-received but feedback indicated a need for a slimmer design and improvements in usability. Impact stories highlighted its life-saving potential, marking a significant step forward in harm reduction technology.
