Case study: Creating a collaborative research delivery model

When the coronavirus pandemic began, most non-COVID-19 research was placed on hold to enable the rapid set up and delivery of urgent public health research studies to prevent and treat COVID-19.

As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges we have faced throughout the pandemic, we can feel proud of the critical role of research and our collective regional efforts, which have been pivotal to the national – and global – response to coronavirus.

Whatever comes next, there is no doubt that the collaborative research delivery model that we have established places Wessex in a strong position to respond.

The 4th January 2022 marked one year since NHS deployment of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine which has now delivered over two billion doses worldwide and which we began trialling in Wessex back in May 2020. 

Since then, Wessex has recruited over 3,000 participants to more than 20 vaccine trials and our combined NIHR teams have led the way for how the national NHS vaccination network developed.

COVID-19 trials supported across Wessex have saved lives and influenced clinical guidelines worldwide. None of this would have been possible without our committed workforce, the generosity of our research participants and collaborations between all partners across the health and care system.

As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges we have faced throughout the pandemic, we can feel proud of the critical role of research and our collective regional efforts.

It has been inspiring to see everyone working together across organisational boundaries to increase access to research for the Wessex population. Together, we have created an environment for collaboration which has enabled the sharing of staff and expertise, as well as the greater integration of research into health and care pathways.

From strengthening our partnerships with local care homes, to setting up research hubs to help us reach under-served communities, I hope this latest issue of Vision magazine showcases the strong collaborative spirit which has allowed us to achieve so much.

Alongside our role in delivering COVID-19 research, we have worked hard to maintain our diverse and active portfolio, and we remain focused on the recovery of research into other conditions, building on our successes and the lessons learnt throughout the pandemic.

At the time of writing in early 2022, only a small percentage of our non-COVID studies remain paused. This is a fantastic achievement given the challenges we have faced and the winter pressures, and is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our research teams. 

Together, we have created an environment for collaboration which has enabled the sharing of staff and expertise, as well as the greater integration of research into health and care pathways.

Whatever comes next, there is no doubt that the collaborative research delivery model that we have established places Wessex in a strong position to respond.

I hope our COVID-19 research efforts and the stories that you read in this issue of Vision inspire you, and that together we can grow opportunities for participation in research in Wessex and beyond.