At Southmead Hospital Charity, we’re committed to funding pioneering research that has the potential to transform patient care. Through the Southmead Hospital Charity Springboard Research Awards, we’re proud to support four incredible researchers at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) as they work to address some of the most pressing healthcare challenges.
New approaches to dementia prevention are urgently needed. With approximately 6% of people over 60 living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that can lead to dementia, early intervention is crucial.
David Woodstoke, Senior Research Associate & Clinical Psychologist at NBT, is leading a project to adapt and trial a holistic support program called MCI-Active. Originally developed in Australia, this program combines health education, group discussions, and thinking skills training to improve brain health. By tailoring it to the NHS and testing it with patients, this project will assess its feasibility and impact.
“This project has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives, by helping them to reduce their risk of developing dementia and improve their brain health and quality of life. More research into dementia prevention is urgently needed, and this simply wouldn’t be possible without charitable donations.”
David Woodstoke
Excessive blood loss during childbirth remains a leading cause of maternal death, particularly in births requiring medical intervention. While caesarean sections at Southmead Hospital already use cell salvage – a method of collecting and recycling a patient’s own blood – this is not yet standard practice for assisted vaginal births.
NBT Consultant Obstetrician Jo Crofts is leading the Cell-SAVE study to assess the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of using cell salvage for vaginal births. The study will collect and test blood samples from 77 assisted vaginal births to determine whether this method can safely reduce the need for donor blood transfusions.
Over 12,000 people in the UK undergo major vascular surgery each year, often requiring intensive care. However, bed shortages mean that urgent operations are sometimes delayed, impacting patient outcomes.
Kitty Wong, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at NBT, is leading a study to analyse NHS data from the past decade to determine who benefits most from intensive care versus ward-based recovery. By identifying key risk factors and patient groups, this research aims to optimise post-surgical care and ensure the best use of hospital resources.
“Surgery on major blood vessels are a major, high risk undertaking for patients. Thanks to the generous funding from charity donors, we will be able use advanced statistics to find out how to best select patients to go to intensive care after major surgery. The results will help us to improve our patient outcomes and resource use in the NHS.”
Kitty Wong
More women are diagnosed with dementia than men, yet the reasons for this disparity remain unclear. One potential factor is neuroinflammation, which may increase after menopause due to declining oestrogen levels.
NBT Clinical Psychologist Laura Hanley is leading a study to analyse potential differences in the way dementia presents in men and women and to begin exploring the role inflammation may play.
“Their generosity will enable us to explore potential differences in men and women with dementia and, with the support patient participant groups, to understand what future research seems important and necessary for those women most at risk of developing dementia.”
Laura Hanley
These groundbreaking projects demonstrate the impact of research funding in improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge. By supporting Southmead Hospital Charity, our donor community help make vital research like this possible.
