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Today is Clinical Trials Day (Wednesday 20 May), which is an opportunity to put a spotlight on research trials helping to improve care and make a difference to patients across Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.

Around 185 active research studies are being supported by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and almost 10,000 patients have been recruited to take part in them over the last year alone.

It shows how firmly established research is in everyday practice at the Trust, helping make a real difference for patients, staff and the wider health system locally, across the UK and the world.

Sandeep Virdee, Research Site Manager at Basildon Hospital, said:

Clinical research helps improve the treatments the Trust uses today as well as those it will be using tomorrow, developing safer and more effective options, discovering new ways to improve patients’ lives.

Considering the scale of research activity across the Trust, it is delivered by a relatively small team of around 70 dedicated staff, including nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and clinical research practitioners. 

That small-sounding number can make a huge difference, as Sandeep explained. She said: “We know that hospitals that are research active have better outcomes for their patients. As a nurse on the wards helping patients is incredibly rewarding, but working in research means you’re potentially also helping hundreds or even thousands of patients in the future.”

Working closely with clinical teams, they support both major national clinical trials and ‘home‑grown’ studies developed by Trust clinicians, ensuring research is delivered safely and effectively.

Becoming a single organisation, after merging in 2020, has meant the three hospitals now have a more coordinated approach to research delivery. Patients are now able to take part in studies across hospital sites and specialties, creating opportunities to take part in research that is not limited by where someone receives their care.

Christine Catley, Research Site Manager for Broomfield Hospital, said: “Under the NHS Constitution, patients have a right to be approached about research that’s relevant to them. We want to give people equal opportunities to take part in research, regardless of where they live or which hospital they attend.”

An example of this approach is the EASi‑KIDNEY trial, one of the largest international studies ever conducted in people with chronic kidney disease. 

Designed by the Oxford Population Health Renal Studies Group, the trial is testing whether a combination of new drug, Vicadrostat, and Empagliflozin - compared with Empagliflozin and a placebo for both groups rather than Vicadrostat alone - can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of heart failure or cardiovascular death. 

The drug is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, who are also the trials sponsor.

The study is running across all the Trust’s hospitals, allowing patients to take part closer to home with consultants they already know. 

Christine said:

This is a patient population that has historically been under‑researched. Being involved in a study like this shows our commitment to equity and ensuring our patients can access cutting‑edge research.

One of those patients is Tina Gardham, 66, from Braintree, who has been on kidney medications for over 30 years and is a part of the EASi‑KIDNEY trial.

Of her experience, she said: “This is the first trial I’ve ever been part of; I have been happy to play my part at being at the forefront of such research. I’ve been treated really well and have had such great support, so I would recommend it to anyone who is eligible.

“Without such help or research, I could be well on my way to needing a kidney transplant, so anything that can help maintain proper function of my kidneys can only be a good thing.

“And it is great to be part of a bigger picture, helping others with kidney disease. I know research from the past has helped improve my life since I started taking medication at 35, so I hope this can help others in the same way and pay it forward.”

Another example is the Generation Study, a national maternity research study led by Genomics England which is also open to patients at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals. 

The study offers parents optional genetic screening shortly after birth, testing babies for more than 200 treatable genetic conditions - while also aiming to improve representation in genetic research so future testing and treatments work better for everyone.

Christine said:

We’re working closely with midwifery and obstetric teams to make sure all mums who want to take part have the opportunity to do so.

While numbers help demonstrate scale, the research site managers are clear that research is ultimately about people – building relationships with patients, families and staff over time.

Elisa Visentin, Research Site Manager at Southend Hospital, said: “As a nurse, giving people choice is incredibly important. Research allows patients to make informed decisions about their care, and many take part because they want to help others in the future.”

Research teams often support patients throughout a study – sometimes over many years – offering continuity, clinical care and an additional point of contact alongside routine services.

Elisa added:

Many patients take part because they want to give something back. They’re doing it for their families or future patients, and it’s a privilege to support them on that journey.

Patients must be invited to take part in research, but to find out more information about research at the Trust and our active studies, please visit: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/