The NHS Constitution pledge to all patients: “to inform you of research studies in which you may be eligible to participate”
Mersey Care is committed to delivering and sustaining quality research which improves care and treatment, contributes to better services and health for people with physical and mental health related problems, their carers or our staff
Research helps turn interesting theories into real benefits and is often the only way to develop better treatments and interventions. People receiving care now benefit from research that has already taken place and will continue to benefit from it taking place today and in the future. The NHS has made great progress in developing new treatments but there is still a lot that is unknown. Research can answer questions, fill gaps in knowledge and change the way treatment is delivered. Research results in improved treatment and care for you and your family.
Most research projects need the help of those people living with a particular health condition to ensure they are effective. We are proud of our record of involving service users, people with lived experience, carers, their families, and the general public in our research. Our studies range from genetic studies and questionnaires, to highly complex, randomised controlled trials testing drugs and therapies.
We hope you find this site helpful in highlighting the processes and associated governance for undertaking research and service evaluations in Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. We very much welcome working in partnership from the earliest opportunity in your research or service evaluation journey and therefore welcome you to contact us for discussion and assistance as appropriate on the folllwing email address Research
We are a research active organisation; many of you will already be involved in delivering or supporting research. As you might be aware, there is a lack of research on the needs of our local population and the organisation of health services based on these. This is why we are interested in promoting research to ensure that future services are developed based on a local evidence base. We are therefore committed to continuing to involve and support clinicians to develop as researchers and to support our service users, patients, carers and staff to be offered the opportunity to take part in research.
No statement of intent or agreement to support research studies or bids can be made on the Trust’s behalf unless this has been reviewed and registered via the Trusts research processes. For further information please email Research
The Research and Development department always take the lead reviewing and, where necessary, liaising with clinical and support services to agree capacity before any expression of interest is made or a study approved. It is therefore imperative that all approaches for research projects or bids that involve the Trust’s service users, staff, carers or resources are always shared in advance with the Research Department and that support to proceed is obtained in writing. This process is important for governance, compliance and financial reasons to protect the reputation of the Trust.
Is my project research and does it need ethical approval?
Not all projects are research. For example many service evaluations and service improvement initiatives also generate important and useful information which contributes to better services.
If you are not sure if your study would be classed as research this link may help:
If your study is research you may also need external ethical approval, this link will help you decide:
If you need any further advice please email a member of the Research and Development team Research.department@merseycare.nhs.uk
If your project is Research you will need to follow a number of set processes for review and approval.
- This link offers an array of information concerning this process; www.hra.nhs.uk and includes templates you are welcome to use such as participant information sheets and consent forms http://www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/consent/examples.html
- You may need to complete an Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) form which can be found at www.myresearchproject.org.uk
- You will also need to provide a brief Research CV
In order for us to register your project with the Trust, you will need to submit a Local Information Pack (LIP) (including your organisation information document) as outlined in IRAS: https://www.myresearchproject.org.uk/help/hlpsitespecific.aspx
Before submitting the LIP please note feasibility will need to have been carried out with the Research department and the relevant service(s).
For more information regarding this process please email Research.development@merseycare.nhs.uk
“Evaluation provides practical information to help decide whether a development or service should be continued or not. Evaluation also involves making judgements about the value of what is being evaluated” - NHS Research and Development Forum (2006)
Service Evaluations are designed and conducted to appraise the effectiveness or efficiency of an individual service with the intention of providing information to inform local decision making.
For information regarding differentiating between service evaluations, clinical audit and research please refer to HQIP: ‘A guide for clinical audit, research and service review’ Nov 2011
In the first instance, you will be asked to complete the attached Service Evaluation Registration Form - you can also request this from michaela
The submission will then be reviewed to ensure it is of a high standard, feasible, supported by the relevant service and demonstrates clear benefit to the Trust. Evaluators must provide;
- Evidence of service support
- Evidence of academic institution support (if applicable)
- Copy proposal/outline (if for an academic project)
- Copy HRA decision tool certificate confirming the study is an evaluation or other correspondence from the HRA confirming the study as an evaluation (if applicable).
- Copy of all associated paperwork which may include: information sheet(s), consent form(s) (MCFT templates available upon request) and questionnaire (if applicable).
The application will then be logged and issued with a Trust reference number. Following review, the evaluation will be assigned a Trust reference number and recorded on the Service Evaluation database. Once reviewed and approved, a Confirmation to Commence email will be sent to the lead reviewer with relevant and informative attachments including a summary sheet which we request to be completed and sent back to michaela
Templates of Information Sheets and Consent forms can be requested from michaela.thomson@merseycare.nhs.uk
Most research projects need the help of those people living with a particular health condition to ensure they are effective. We are proud of our record of involving service users and carers in our research and the contribution their lived experience brings to our work. Our studies range from genetic studies and questionnaires, to highly complex, randomised controlled trials testing drugs and therapies.
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is a partner of the:
Research study: Are you an international nurse?
The University of Exeter is conducting a study exploring the experiences of internationally educated nurses working in the UK, and how different factors, such as identity and group belonging, relate to mental health and wellbeing. You can participate by filling out a short online survey here. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Ramírez Armijos at er661@exeter.ac.uk.
Research project on improving weight management discussions in a gynaecology setting
The University of Manchester has launched a research project that aims to better understand people’s experiences with gynaecology clinics and weight management discussions. By sharing your experiences, you can help improve care and the overall wellbeing of patients. If you have been to a gynaecology clinic in the past five years share your experience by filling out this survey. And if you have worked in a gynaecology clinic for two years or more, share your views by filling out this survey.
Study aims to understand how outcomes are being measured in ADHD
The University of Nottingham is conducting a research study with healthcare professionals to understand how outcomes are being measured in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings of the study will help to find ways to make screening, diagnosing and monitoring ADHD easier and more efficient and standardised for both staff and patients. If you work in a neurodevelopmental or mental health service with children, young people or adults with ADHD you can share your experiences by filling out a short survey here. You can also take part in an interview over teams or the telephone. If you have any questions, please email the Research Fellow on the project, Hannah Elwick at Hannah.elwick@nottingham.ac.uk.
Building Mersey Care’s research capacity with NHS Research and Development North West
Amanda Craig, Chief Executive of NHS Research and Development North West, recently joined Mersey Care’s Nursing, Midwives and Allied Health Professions (NMAHPs) Research and Innovation Forum to discuss the exciting opportunities available for early career researchers through a new internship programme. Here, she discusses the programme, the brilliant work of the NMAHP forum and Mersey Care’s hard work to build research capacity and capability.
Why Sheree wants nurses to get involved in research
Sheree Desson, Deputy ward Manager on the Iris mental health inpatient ward in St Helens is passionate about championing research amongst nurses. She is set to start the Liverpool Health Partners Research Development Programme from NHS Research and Development (R&D) North West. In her blog she explores her goals for the programme and encourages others not to be overwhelmed by research and instead take small steps to get involved.
“Research is for everyone” – Shruti shares her advice on getting started in research
Shruti Sharma, Team Lead for the Planned Therapies South Sefton Team was recently awarded a place on the prestigious NIHR Developing Leaders in Research Fellowship. In her blog she shares her journey into research and her goals for the fellowship.
Pursuing research as a nurse: Cat’s story
Cat Phillips is a staff nurse at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. She was recently awarded a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) pre-application support fund, which is enabling her to lead a service evaluation exploring stigma associated with personality disorders. In this article, she explores the challenges and benefits of pursuing a research career as a clinical nurse.
Stepping out of my comfort zone: How Assistant Psychologist Sahrish Ali got involved in research
Sahrish Ali works as an assistant psychologist in Mersey Care’s Community Forensic Learning Disability Service. In her blog she describes how stepping out of her comfort zone and taking part in a research project has expanded her skills and benefited her work.
Showcasing Mersey Care’s research activities
On 4 March, we attended the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Research In Cheshire And Merseyside (NRICAM) Showcase at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
Forum encourages Mersey Care staff to get involved in research
Mersey Care is holding a quarterly series of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals (AHPs) research and innovation forums. The forums highlight current research projects being undertaken by Mersey Care clinicians and also provide advice to staff who are interested in starting a research journey.
From practice to purpose: Joy’s journey into research
Joy Okwor is a Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust staff nurse in Longmoor House. She recently completed the NHS Research and Development (R&D) North West England InRes programme which aims to empower health and care professionals to pursue a career in research. In this article, Joy charts her experience as a frontline nurse in the world of research and her journey of reflection, identity and growth.
Findings from the Circle of Security Intervention (COSI) Study webinar
10 December, 11:30am, online
The findings from a randomised controlled trial assessing the Circle of Security-Parenting programme (COS-P) within NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services have been published in the Lancet Psychiatry. COS-P practitioners who work with perinatal families are invited to attend a free webinar on Wednesday 10 December to learn about the clinical implications of these findings. Book here.
Epilepsy workshop
18 December, 12:30pm (12pm lunch), Sid Watkins Building, Walton Centre
Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre (LINC) is welcoming researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals from all disciplines to attend an upcoming workshop on epilepsy. Led by LINC’s epilepsy theme lead, Professor Tony Marson, and Deputy Lead, Dr Gashirai Mbizvo, the workshop will explore how we can collectively improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsy. Learn more.
Funding opportunity for under-represented disciplines and specialisms webinar
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has opened applications for the Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) funding opportunity for under-represented disciplines and specialisms: Nurses and Midwives 2025/26. On Wednesday 3 December you can attend a webinar to learn more about the opportunity. Learn more.
Applications open for the NIHR pre-application support fund
The NIHR pre-application support fund can provide up to 12 months of flexible funding. It will help you prepare a competitive application to an NIHR career development award. The closing date is 4 December. Apply here.
Are you hoping to complete a PhD in applied health or social care research?
Applications are open for the NIHR Doctoral Award which provides funding and support to individuals from all professional backgrounds. This flexible scheme enables you to complete a PhD in applied health or social care research. The award opens twice a year in April and October and the closing date for the recent award is 15 January 2025. Learn more.
Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) award
This award is an opportunity to develop skills or undertake training to support your next step as a postdoctoral applied health or care researcher. You can access up to two years of salaried time to undertake training and development activities. This could include mentorship and conference attendance costs. Applications open 3 December 2025. Learn more.
Get ready to apply for the NIHR’s predoctoral award
The prestigious NIHR predoctoral award opens for applications on 29 January 2025. The award funds a programme of training and development designed to advance your health and social care research career at masters level. Read more.
