ARC NWC is A Gift to Health and Social Care Research
Dr Rachel Hall, Head of Research at ARC NWC member organisation Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recently shared her enthusiasm for ARC NWC, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing health and social care research. Her insights underscore how ARC NWC acts as a crucial asset, particularly through its support for emerging researchers and impactful projects.
Rachel elaborated on her widespread responsibilities at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. “I oversee the entire research department at Bridgewater,” she said. “This includes strategic planning, partnership development, research governance, and managing studies.”
ARC NWC’s contribution is significant in this context. “ARC NWC is an invaluable resource, it has been a gift to us.” Rachel noted. “It streamlines our processes and enhances the effectiveness of our research projects. The support provided is crucial for achieving our research goals.”
Rachel also highlighted the impact of ARC NWC’s internships on the careers of healthcare professionals. “Our staff are taking significant steps in their research careers thanks to ARC NWC internships,” she explained. “These internships offer staff a great chance to enhance their research skills and tackle pressing health inequalities, while also fostering knowledge sharing with healthcare professionals across the North West Coast.”
Two notable examples are Sarah Lloyd and Barry Clift, who have been awarded internships by ARC NWC. “Sarah Lloyd, a Specialist Physiotherapist, and Barry Clift, an Occupational Therapist, have been selected for these prestigious internships,” Rachel said.
At present, Sarah Lloyd, a joint physiotherapy lead in the Trust’s Community Neurosciences team, is benefiting from an ARC NWC internship. Her research focuses on the engagement of stroke patients with recommended splints and orthotics. “Sarah’s project aims to determine if patients are meeting their goals with splinting, orthotics and self-management,” Rachel explained. “She is also investigating the barriers and facilitators to engagement.”
Barry Clift, who has 20 years of experience at Drive Ability North West, is exploring the support process for individuals with a recent dementia diagnosis. “Barry’s research is assessing the effectiveness of an early support programme designed to manage the transition from driving to maintaining community mobility and social involvement,” Rachel noted.
Both Sarah and Barry are receiving training and supervision from experienced researchers at ARC NWC’s partner universities, dedicating up to one day a week to their projects for up to a year.
Rachel emphasised the Trust’s commitment to evidence-based care and research workforce development. “Our Trust is dedicated to providing high-quality care through research delivered by expert staff,” she said. “We’ve recently refreshed our research strategy, with a key priority being to increase the research workforce.”
She concluded with a strong endorsement of the internship programme. “These internships are a crucial step towards achieving our goal of having talented investigators working within the community,” Rachel said. “Sarah and Barry are perfectly suited for this opportunity, being both curious and committed to using research to enhance the care they provide.”
Rachel Hall’s reflections highlight the profound impact of ARC NWC on health and social care research. Through its support and innovative programmes, ARC NWC not only enhances research capabilities but also fosters the development of future leaders in the field.
