Gastroenterology colleagues at NCA are leading England in research.
Nearly 1,100 patients have taken part in gastroenterology research to improve knowledge, diagnosis, care and treatment in the first nine months of 2022-23.
That makes NCA the highest recruiting Trust of more than 100 in England involved in gastroenterology studies that are part of the National Institute for Heath and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio – high quality studies that have been awarded funds after open national competition, for research that is of clear value to the NHS.
A key strength is our inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, led by Professor Jimmy Limdi, Head of the tertiary IBD Section (NCA Northeast Sector) and Deputy Director of Research and Innovation at Bury Care Organisation.
More than 850 patients took part in IBD research at Bury, Oldham and Rochdale between April and December 2022, including several advanced therapeutic trials, studies involving women’s health issues in IBD and cancer surveillance in IBD (all led nationally by Prof Limdi), and one looking at whether a diet free of processed food helps people with Crohn’s disease. There is also a trial trying to predict therapeutic response to IBD therapies based on cytokine profiling and one trying to predict serious drug side effects.
Cutting edge science
Prof Limdi said: “The ability to bring cutting edge science home to my patients is immensely gratifying. The overwhelming support of people living with IBD through their involvement and support of our research is humbling yet serves as an impetus to enable my research team and me to strive tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
He emphasised that dedicated teamwork and support from clinical and research colleagues and managers played an essential role in the success and paid tribute to all those who contributed.
In terms of the number of patients recruited, NCA was also ranked among the top 10 per cent in seven other specialties at the end of 2022: stroke, renal, critical care, dementia and neurodegeneration, dermatology, musculoskeletal and health services delivery and research.
Research at NCA links closely with clinical care and these figures mean that more of our patients are being given the chance to contribute to improvements in diagnosis, care and treatments.