At Southend University Hospital, research and innovation are at the heart of our commitment to delivering the highest standards of patient care.
As part of the NHS and the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), our Research and Development department is dedicated to facilitating and conducting clinical research that enhances medical knowledge and improves patient outcomes.
Our research clinic rooms are well-furnished and equipped. This is where patients receive care and take part in studies.
To further strengthen our research capabilities, and as a centre of excellence for cancer services, we are expanding our capacity for interventional and phase 2 trials.
We are proud to have two dedicated beds in Elizabeth Loury Unit for cancer research. These beds will allow us to provide close monitoring and high-quality care and will be instrumental in advancing cancer treatments, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies and contributing to global oncology research.
Opening in May 2025 the Helena Woolley Research Suite has been made possible through a generous legacy gift and with support of our hospital charity.
Two rooms within the Elizabeth Loury ward in Southend have been refurbished into a dedicated research suite that will allow us to offer a wider range of studies to our patients, particularly those that require an overnight stay. The en-suite rooms provide a peaceful space, with beautiful wall art of scenes from nature and sky lights in the ceiling. This has been a collaboration between the oncology teams and the research teams, providing valuable extra resource to support research.
All research assessments and treatments can be delivered within the unit where patients will be cared for by the ward team with support from our research teams, allowing for staff development and to provide excellent care for our research participants. This is an exciting milestone for our Trust, our research efforts, and, most importantly, our patients.
To find out more about the history of this, please read First dedicated cancer research suite a reality thanks to legacy gift.
Successful research requires teamwork. Our research staff work closely with clinical teams across various departments to:
This seamless integration between research and clinical practice ensures that our patients receive the best possible care while contributing to medical advancements.
Whether you are a patient, clinician or researcher, we welcome you to be part of our research community.
For further details please contact Bernard Hadebe, site team lead and manager on bernard.hadebe@nhs.net or call 0300 443 6839.
Supporting assetsAs well as the physical research space and dedicated staff, we are supported by a number of other assets across our Trust.
Research repositoryThe repository is a single place to find all published research authored by staff and students whilst working at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The aim is to showcase research taking place within the Trust and build confidence with our patients and local population.
Research Engagement NetworkMid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSE ICS) is working to create a Research Engagement Network (REN). The project aims to support under-represented communities to take part in research. It will also provide patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) support to researchers with the aim of increasing diversity in research.