Mid Cheshire Hospitals, the trust running Leighton Hospital, has unveiled ambitious proposals to become a North West centre of excellence for research and development by 2029. 

Its plans focus on expanding opportunities for local people to take part in the latest trials, while also empowering staff to lead and support more cutting-edge advancements.

The trust aims to be a leading 'research-active' NHS organisation, with this innovative work playing a part in everyday care, improving outcomes for patients, and shaping healthcare for future generations. 

Director of Research and Development at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, Jaime Halvorsen, said: "This strategy represents a really exciting step change for our organisation.

"Research saves lives, improves care and brings the latest innovations directly to patients and we want our trust to be at the heart of that.

"By increasing our research capability, improving partnerships and taking advantage of the latest digital tools, we want to create a culture where every member of staff and every patient has the opportunity to contribute to the future of healthcare."

Mid Cheshire Hospitals' plan focuses on six areas to improve its research and development:

• Strengthening infrastructure and partnerships - building strong connections with universities, industry and regional research networks
• Increasing commercial research - bringing more innovative, funded research to the Trust and the local community
• Embedding research in everyday clinical practice - ensuring that every patient has the opportunity to benefit from evidence based advancements
• Wider engagement - increasing participation and ensuring research reflects local needs
• Harnessing data and digital innovation - using technology to drive faster, more effective research
• Measuring success and impact - demonstrating the difference research makes to care and outcomes

The Trust also set out a clear seven-year timeline for the changes: 

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• 2025-26: Foundations - strengthening governance, building workforce capability, and improving digital systems to support research
• 2026-28: Growth - expanding the number and variety of studies, developing new partnerships and increasing community based research activity
• 2028-32: Leadership - establishing MCHFT as a regional centre of excellence, recognised for research quality, impact and innovation

Chief Nursing Officer, Scott Malton (Photo: MCHFT).

Mid Cheshire Hospitals' plans also emphasise the importance of inclusive research that reflects the diversity of local communities.

This includes ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone, as well as involving patients and carers in shaping the future of research and development at the Trust.

Chief Nursing Officer, Scott Malton, said: "We're creating a culture where research is part of everyday care in our hospitals and these plans are key to that journey.

"In the past year we've seen several improvements that have already put us on the right track. A fantastic example was the creation of our research champions network and the installation of research boards around our sites.

"This work aims to make it easier for patients to get involved and understand how important research is for the NHS.

"By empowering our staff and supporting more cutting-edge studies, we can make great strides towards the next healthcare innovations and, most importantly, help to improve patient care."