Research and Development

Introduction

Research, innovation, and development are essential components of any Health and Social Care service.  Advances in care, practice or technology would not be possible without research and evaluation.  Within Lancashire and Cumbria, Research Development and Innovation are key components of the Higher Education Institutions, Provider Trusts and other organisations that serve this LMNS but the impact of this work has a much wider footprint than our local population and  positively influences, informs, and advances Midwifery knowledge and practice nationally and internationally.  

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is one of the key organisations investing in clinical and applied research designed to improve treatments and services for patients and the NHS.  More specifically, NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) support a more localised approach where research can be undertaken that reflects more clearly the local population needs and its associated health and care systems.   As a result of this, the Northwest Coast partnership comprising of NHS providers, universities, charities, local authorities, Academic Health Science Networks, and other organisations has been formed.  This partnership ensures that not only is locally informed research undertaken but that the results are implemented into practice.  In addition, it offers some ARC scholarships for clinical staff wishing to undertake clinical research which may form part of doctoral study.

Our commitment to research and development across the region demonstrates a dynamic and innovative desire to improving health care and population outcomes or the people that live within the northwest and beyond.