Research is an essential part of improving health and social care. Every treatment, medication, diagnostic test and care pathway used today is built on research carried out by patients, healthcare professionals and researchers.
We are proud to support high-quality research that helps improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness. Research gives patients the opportunity to contribute to the development of future healthcare and access to new and innovative treatments early.
Our research teams work closely with patients, healthcare professionals, universities, research organisations and industry partners to deliver studies safely, ethically and to the highest standards.
We deliver a broad and diverse portfolio of research studies, supported by multidisciplinary teams across health and social care. Working together to advance knowledge, improve treatments and enhance patient care. Our research activity spans many speciality areas, including:
- Cardiovascular
- Critical Care
- Cancer & Haematology
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal
- Mental Health
- Neurology
- Orthopaedic
- Renal
- Respiratory
- Renal
- Stroke
- Surgical
- Women & Child health
- Workforce
We welcome enquiries from patients, carers and members of the public who would like to learn more about opportunities to participate in research.
-
About Our Research
South Eastern Trust has an active research programme across a wide range of specialties and services.
Research helps us to:
- Improve treatments and patient outcomes
- Find better ways to diagnose disease
- Prevent illness and improve public health
- Enhance quality of life for people living with health conditions
- Improve how healthcare services are delivered
- Develop new medicines, devices and technologies
Research takes many forms and may include clinical trials, observational studies, surveys, interviews, focus groups and studies that use health information to better understand diseases, treatments and patient experiences. Research may involve testing new treatments, improving existing care, understanding the causes of illness, or finding better ways to prevent disease and support people’s health and wellbeing.
See a list of our research studies here:
-
Taking Part in Research
As a patient receiving care within the South Eastern Trust, you may be offered the opportunity to take part in a research study or clinical trial.
Before deciding whether to take part you will be given clear information about:
- The purpose of the research
- What participation involves
- Potential benefits or risks
- How your information will be used and protected
- Your right to withdraw at any time
- Who to contact with questions or concerns
You will have the opportunity to discuss the study with your clinical team and research staff before making a decision.
All research undertaken within the Trust is subject to robust ethical, regulatory and governance processes designed to protect participants and ensure studies are conducted safely and responsibly.
Taking part is completely voluntary. If you decide not to participate, or later choose to withdraw from a study, your usual care and treatment will not be affected.
See what our current patients said about their research experience
Behind the Research: Real Patient Stories from Clinical Trials at the Ulster Hospital
If you would like to learn more about research opportunities, please speak to your healthcare team or contact the Research & Development Department.
-
Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) Helping Shape Research
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) means research is carried out with patients, carers and members of the public, rather than for them.
People with lived experience bring valuable insights that help ensure research focuses on the issues that matter most to patients, families and communities. Their experiences help researchers design studies that are relevant, practical and accessible.
Patients and members of the public can contribute by:
- Helping identify research priorities.
- Reviewing participant information and study documents.
- Advising on study design and recruitment approaches.
- Sharing experiences to help improve services.
- Participating in public involvement groups and workshops.
- Helping researchers communicate research findings.
By involving patients and the public throughout the research process, we can improve the quality, relevance and impact of our research.
Why Get Involved?
Getting involved in research can provide opportunities to:
- Use your experiences to help improve healthcare.
- Work alongside researchers and healthcare professionals.
- Help make research more patient-centred and accessible.
- Contribute to improvements in care for future generations.
You do not need any research experience to become involved. We welcome people from all backgrounds and communities who are interested in helping shape health and social care research.
If you would like to learn more about Patient and Public Involvement opportunities within the South Eastern Trust, please contact the Research & Development Team.
-
Contact Information
Research, Development & Innovation Department
Clinical Trial Centre
Ulster Hospital
Upper Newtownards Road
Dundonald
BT16 1RH
Telephone: 02895 980075
Email: research.activity@setrust.hscni.net
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
8am – 5pm
For general enquiries about research opportunities, ongoing studies or research services, please contact the Research & Development Team using the details above.
Watch a short video of what to expect at a visit to the Clinical Trial Centre:
-
Out of Hours
The Clinical Trial Centre does not provide a routine out-of-hours service.
However, participant safety is our highest priority. If you are taking part in a research study, you will be provided with study-specific contact details, including information on how to contact the research team and any emergency arrangements relevant to your study.
For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, your local GP Out of Hours Service, or dial 999 in an emergency.
-
Referral Information
No referral is required to make an enquiry about research.
Patients may:
- Speak to their healthcare professional about current research opportunities
- Be approached by a member of the research team about studies that may be suitable for them.
- Contact the Research & Development Department directly for information
Eligibility criteria apply to individual research studies.
-
Frequently Asked Questions
What research is happening?
Find health and care research studies at SEHSCT
NIHR Be Part of Research. National service helping people find health and care research studies: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk
What is research?
Research helps us improve health and social care by increasing our understanding of diseases, treatments, services and patient experiences. Research studies help ensure that care is based on the best available evidence.
Find further information here:
What is health and care research – Be Part of Research
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a type of research study that explores whether new treatments, medicines, devices or approaches to care are safe and effective.
Find out further information here:
Can anyone take part in research?
Each study has specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, medical condition or previous treatments. The research team will explain whether a study may be suitable for you.
Do I have to take part if I am asked?
No. Taking part in research is entirely voluntary. You are free to decide whether or not you wish to participate.
Will taking part affect my care?
No. Your decision about whether to take part in research will not affect the care or treatment you receive.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can withdraw from a research study at any time without giving a reason. The research team will explain what happens if you decide to withdraw.
Is research safe?
All research conducted within the Trust must undergo appropriate ethical, regulatory and governance review. Participant safety, wellbeing and confidentiality are always a priority.
How will my information be used?
Any personal information collected as part of a research study will be handled securely and confidentially in line with data protection legislation and research governance requirements. Information about how your data will be used will be explained before you decide whether to take part.
Find out further information here:
Patient data and research leaflet – Health Research Authority
Will I receive payment for taking part?
Most research studies do not provide payment. However, some studies may reimburse reasonable travel or other agreed expenses. The research team will explain this if applicable.
How can I find out about current research studies?
You can speak to your healthcare professional, ask a member of the research team, or contact the Research & Development Department for information about current opportunities.
Will I receive the results of the study?
Yes, information about the findings of research should be available, in a suitable format and timely matter to those who took part. It is a legal requirement for studies testing new medicines to offer a summary of the trials results to participants once the research has been completed. All other studies should follow best practice and offer results to participants.