What the Research Buses are all about
The research buses will bring health studies into the heart of communities, visiting settings such as health centres, care homes, places of worship, voluntary hubs, and even people’s homes. Equipped with clinical and consultation spaces, the research buses can be used for a variety of purposes, including taking blood samples, conducting physical assessments for specific research studies, or providing information and engaging with people about research opportunities.
How the project came to be
This initiative was made possible through funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The availability of this funding reflects the national commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in research delivery and innovation.
Impact on communities and the future of research
The research buses aim to make research delivery more person-focused, enabling MPFT to reach diverse and underserved populations. They will provide greater access to industry research, which often involves new therapies and treatments not yet part of standard care. Additionally, the research buses will expand the range of studies offered to patients, service users, and the wider community, ensuring more people can contribute to and benefit from advancements in healthcare.
Community-driven design: MPFT’s Research Bus shaped by local feedback
As part of our initiative to involve the community in the design of the new Research Bus, we sought feedback from two individual groups: the MPFT Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Facebook group ‘Health Research for All’ and the students at Our Lady and St Werburgh’s Catholic Primary School in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Facebook Group Feedback
We shared four potential designs on the ‘Health Research for All’ Facebook group, inviting members to vote for their favourite and provide feedback. Along with tallying the votes, we gathered their comments with one member noting “the design was in keeping with MPFT.”
Primary School Participation
The children in Years 4, 5, and 6 at Our Lady and St Werburgh’s Catholic Primary School were also shown the designs. Their teacher explained the purpose of the MPFT Research Bus, and the students were asked to provide feedback via a questionnaire. The students shared what they liked and offered suggestions for improvement. Interestingly, the children’s top choice differed from the adults’ selection in the Facebook group.
Here are a few of the comments from the key stage 2 children, aged 8 to 11:
"The symbols show community and work of the NHS"
"That everyone is together as a community"
"It shows that everyone is working together"
"I think the idea of the buses is amazing!"
"Thank you for letting me participate"
This process gave us valuable insights from different perspectives, ensuring the final design reflects the views of both adults and children.
The Research Bus Launch Event
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.
Next stop: Your help - please complete our survey
Please fill in our short survey to help answer the following points:
- Let us know how our team can work with your team
- Think about where you’d like to see our bus parked up
- Give us ideas about your work in the community and how we can get involved
The survey can be accessed here or by scanning the QR code within the poster below!
