Ensuring that our services are safe and effective is one of the most important things we do as an organisation. For our services to be the best they can be we need to be able to test new ideas and treatments to see if they work, and gather vital evidence to prove it.

Our dedicated Research Development Unit brings together experts with clinical, research and academic backgrounds to lead on our work in this area.

They work alongside service users, carers, staff, commercial companies, charities, universities and other NHS Trusts to run a range of research and clinical trials in our services across Sheffield.

By working together we are able to learn and share best practice that helps us to continually make improvements to the services we provide.

Why are we involved in research?

There is clear evidence that NHS Trusts involved in research provide safer services, deliver better quality care and have improved performance overall.

Not only does it benefit our service users, carers and their families, but it also has huge benefits for our staff. By getting involved in research they are able to develop professionally and use their clinical experience to make improvements.

Take part in research

We have a range of studies that we are looking for people to take part in.

Some of our studies are limited to current service users and staff, and others are open to members of the public.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved, click here.

Results of completed studies are here.

Meet the team

Our research team have vast experience working across the NHS and academic fields in a variety of backgrounds.

They have developed a national reputation for innovative research and using their findings to make real improvements to our services.

You can find out more about the team and their special interests by visiting our meet the team page.

Our performance

We regularly report to the National Institute for Health Research on our research performance. To view our recent reports click here.

This includes information about projects we are already taking part in and projects that we are about to begin.

You can take a look at our historical reports by clicking on the list below.

Our Research, Innovation and Effectiveness strategy aims to create a vibrant, engaged improvement culture, using the best and most up-to-date evidence to achieve the best outcomes for people who use our services.

You can read all about our strategy here.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved in our research as a participant or as a partner please email rdu@shsc.nhs.uk and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

You can also phone us on 0114 27 16731.

Health Research Authority (HRA)

The Health Research Authority protects and promotes the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. It ensures that our research is governed properly, is legally compliant and ethically approved. All our research has been reviewed by the HRA before it starts.

You can find out more about the HRA here.

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

The National Institute for Health Research funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

Being involved is not the same as taking part in research. It's not about taking part in a trial or study to test a new treatment or care option. It’s about being a member of the research team that works together to design and run the study.

More information is available on the National Institute for Health Research website.

You can also contact our Patient Research Ambassador to find out more about our current opportunities by emailing ellie.wildbore@shsc.nhs.uk