Sheffield Children’s shortlisted for two regional research awards 

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to have been shortlisted for two Clinical Research Network (CRN) Yorkshire and Humber 2023 Research Awards! 

The shortlist recognises the Emergency Department Research Team and the 0-19 Research Network, which Sheffield Children’s is a part of. 

The Emergency Department (ED) Research team has been nominated for the Research Team of the Year award in recognition of the team’s increased engagement and embedding of research into their culture, as well as the staggering increase in recruitment to research studies. The new approach by the ED team means research activity is led by nurses within the team. Previously, ED research depended on Principal Investigators and medical trainees with support from Clinical Research Facility nurses.  

Professor Shammi Ramlakhan, ED Consultant said: “Through developing a strategy in ED that provided flexible time for research training, we were able to train 75% of senior nurses to become ED based research nurses. This has allowed nurses to work as a team to support research across the week, while avoiding any impact on clinical care delivery. 

“This had a dramatic impact on the number of research studies we could support and run, with recruitment to studies doubling to over 100 in the past year. 

“Importantly, ED research culture and engagement has been transformed, with ED nurses driving eligibility discussions, screening, and participating in research activity. This has also increased the opportunities for children and their families to participate in research, contributing to cutting edge research and changes in clinical practice locally, nationally, and even internationally. 

“To be nominated for a research award is a testament to the nurses and the team who have been involved. It’s great that the team is being recognised for their hard work and the way they have embraced all things research.” 

The 0-19 Research Network, which Sheffield Children’s are a part of, has also been nominated for an award!They are shortlisted for best contribution in non-NHS setting. This is in recognition of their 0-19 research work within the community and their aim to raise the profile of 0-19 public health research, enabling children and their families to be part of research.  

Louise Wolstenholme, 0-19 Lead for Research at Sheffield Children’s said: “The network has been successful due to the commitment and collaboration between non-NHS and NHS colleagues, university academics and representatives from various 0-19 professional bodies.  

“We facilitate learning about new research findings, reflection on evidence-based practice, sharing of research opportunities and training, role modelling and empowering a positive research culture. 

“We are overjoyed that the 0-19 Research Network is being recognised in this way, it’s the first time we have been shortlisted for an award. Supporting our health visiting and school nursing teams to engage in research is vital when improving health outcomes for our children, young people and their families”. 

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this recognition. Sheffield Children’s will discover the outcome of the awards at the ceremony on Thursday 13 July!