University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

19/06/2026

Today is Day! ❤️ 🏥 🔬

Members of the public and staff from across UHNM are wearing red today to celebrate the difference research makes in saving and improving lives.

👋 Meet the team behind the research at UHNM

Here’s Judy Lee and Anu Noble, research practitioners.

From screening eligible patients and managing clinical drug trials, our research practitioners play a vital role in bringing cutting-edge research to our frontline services.

🗣 "Research can sometimes feel a bit daunting or misunderstood, but it is the backbone of every medical advancement and improved treatment we have today.

"We love what we do because we get to be involved right from the very beginning of a patient's journey, helping them along the way and offering extra support and closer monitoring. For us, research is all about finding new ways to directly improve our patients' health, wellbeing and future care.”

19/06/2026

Today is Day! ❤️ 🏥 🔬

Members of the public and staff from across UHNM are wearing red today to celebrate the difference research makes in saving and improving lives.

👋 Meet the team behind the research at UHNM

Now we’re celebrating Chris Blanks, our newly appointed clinical trials and innovative medicines lead pharmacist.

🗣 “About 50 per-cent of all clinical research trials at UHNM involve a medicine and that's exactly where our team comes in.

"We are involved right from the very beginning at the feasibility stage, from the moment a study first comes to the Trust. We look at all the medicines to see how many dispensings they need, if they require special storage conditions, or if they need bespoke manufacturing right here in our pharmacy department.

"We work closely with the Research and Innovation team from that initial concept all the way through to the final closeout.

"Looking forward to new trials and new medicines is just really exciting. It’s about bringing in new treatments and new therapies, and sort of paving the way for how we manage diseases in the future.”

19/06/2026

Today is Day! ❤️ 🏥 🔬

Members of the public and staff from across UHNM are wearing red today to celebrate the difference research makes in saving and improving lives.

👋 Meet the team behind the research at UHNM!

This is Sameena Hussain, research operations manager. While Sameena might not work directly on the clinical frontline with patients, she looks after all the crucial background work, from recruitment and payroll to keeping the entire department running smoothly.

🗣 “No two days are ever the same here, and we are constantly adapting to make sure everything runs exactly as it should.

"What makes this job so special is the incredible team morale, everyone looks out for and genuinely cares about one another. Even though my role is in the background, knowing that it supports life-changing research into areas like cancer, MND and dementia is amazing. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do behind the scenes helps make a real difference to patients' lives.”

19/06/2026

Today is Day! ❤️ 🏥 🔬

Members of the public and staff from across UHNM are wearing red today to celebrate the difference research makes in saving and improving lives.

👋 Meet the team behind the research at UHNM

Introducing Dr Mikhail Vella-Baldacchino, consultant in paediatric emergency medicine and one of our principal investigators (P*s) who helps lead clinical trials across our hospitals.

🗣 “To me, being a PI is all about bringing people together. It’s an amazing experience because while you’re running the research, you get to collaborate with so many different teams and specialists across UHNM to make these studies happen.

"Research is a massive opportunity for us. On a national level it puts a spotlight on just how active and forward-thinking UHNM is, and locally it's about showing our commitment to our community to make sure we're giving the best patient care."

19/06/2026

Day ❤️ 🏥 🔬

A grandfather from Kidsgrove is encouraging other patients to consider getting involved in research after taking part in several studies at UHNM.

Ian Holland, 75, has been receiving care from UHNM's renal team for eight years after developing kidney disease and needing dialysis treatment.

Ian, a retired precision sheet metal worker, has taken part in five studies whilst under the care of UHNM, and on is encouraging other patients to take part if given the opportunity.

🗣 Ian said: "In 2016 I was about to retire when I had a heart attack. I was able to get over that, but then I was told I had kidney failure.

“It runs in the family, my mum had it and my sister's got it too, but I’m the only one who’s ended up on dialysis.

"Since then I’ve been under the care of the renal team at the Royal Stoke University Hospital who have looked after really well.”

"I've taken part in several studies over the years and I've always been well looked after, the staff explain everything and support you throughout. If it helps other people in the future then I’m happy to take part.”

A research-active Trust, UHNM supports a wide range of studies across specialties including cancer, heart disease, stroke and children’s services.

🗣 Judy Lee, research practitioner, said: “Teams within renal research work with patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease, including those receiving dialysis treatment, helping to improve understanding of conditions and identify better ways to care for patients.

"Patients like Ian are incredibly important to us as their willingness to take part helps us answer important questions that could improve care for futures patients.

🗣 Anu Noble, research practitioner, said: "Many of the treatments and advances we have today only exist because patients before us chose to take part in research.

"Some people can be unsure about getting involved, but we're there to support patients every step of the way and answer any questions they may have. Research helps us learn more about conditions and treatments, and every participant plays an important role in helping improve care for future patients."

Ian added: "If you're fit enough and able to take part in research, I'd say consider it. Everything we have in healthcare today is because somebody, somewhere, agreed to take part."

17/06/2026

🌟 Have your say in UHNM’s People’s Choice Award! Only 3️⃣ days left to nominate! 🌟

Our annual staff awards, 'A Night Full of Stars' are back and for the second year running, you can help us celebrate the incredible people who make a difference at UHNM. 🫵

The People’s Choice Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding impact, as voted for by our patients and families. It’s your chance to shine a spotlight on someone whose excellence, compassion and exceptional care has truly stood out.

If a member of staff has made a lasting impression on you or your loved ones, we’d love to hear your story.

🗳️ You only have three days to nominate! Nominations are now open and close on Friday 19 June at 5pm.
👉 Submit your nomination: https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/uhnm-a-night-full-of-stars-staff-awards/peoples-choice-award/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSTnVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB2djVwQmdwYlR3dkdtMHNnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjxPnvuY_Ak_hyJwrCcwvXHaOwzwz3rUZNPb69fNnA_tWGNaj4lV8hHsqFK3_aem_bu_OuDbE9f_HVUcFHqWKtA

15/06/2026

UHNM Maternity services in May 2026!👶👣
Have you had your baby with us in May?

Let us know in the comments below and share your pictures.

15/06/2026

🌟 Have your say in UHNM’s People’s Choice Award! 🌟

Our annual staff awards, 'A Night Full of Stars' are back and for the second year running, you can help us celebrate the incredible people who make a difference at UHNM. 🫵

The People’s Choice Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding impact, as voted for by our patients and families. It’s your chance to shine a spotlight on someone whose excellence, compassion and exceptional care has truly stood out.

If a member of staff has made a lasting impression on you or your loved ones, we’d love to hear your story.

🗳️ Nominations are now open and close on Friday 19 June at 5pm.
👉 Submit your nomination: https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/uhnm-a-night-full-of-stars-staff-awards/peoples-choice-award/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSTnVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB2djVwQmdwYlR3dkdtMHNnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjxPnvuY_Ak_hyJwrCcwvXHaOwzwz3rUZNPb69fNnA_tWGNaj4lV8hHsqFK3_aem_bu_OuDbE9f_HVUcFHqWKtA

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

The resident doctor’s strike that was due to start tomorrow has now been called off.

Please continue to attend any appointments as planned and access our services as normal if you need them.