On 5th December 2018 a broad range of delegates from the NHS, HE and related public sector organisations attended the Health Service Modelling Associates (HSMA) Presentation Seminar, the closing event of PenCHORD’s 2018 HSMA Programme. The HSMA Programme is a joint initiative between PenCHORD (PenCLAHRC’s Operational Research team) and the South West Academic Health Science Network (SW AHSN) that aims to support the increased use of Operational Research for development and decision making within the health service.

Each year a number of health service employees (Associates) are given training, a mentor and day release, one day a week, to tackle a...

As a partnership of NHS Trusts across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, plus the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, we aim to work with healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public to identify areas of research that reflect the real needs and concerns of the health service in the South West. 

We have been working in partnership with Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHNT) since PenCLAHRC’s inception in 2008. Below are some examples of projects which have resulted in real change to the way the Trust works.

Set up five years ago, the South West Anaesthesia Research Matrix (SWARM) is a trainee-led audit and research...

PenCLAHRC’s Patient-Initiated Clinic (PIC) project team were winners at this year's Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards, which took place in Manchester on 24th May 2016.

The HSJ awards seek to recognise and reward outstanding efficiency and improvement by the NHS, as well as the excellent use of resources. They also seek out examples of demonstrable improvement in outcomes, both within back office functions and clinical initiatives.

Having travelled to London earlier this year to present their case and explain why their project should win, the PIC team went on to scoop the award in the General Medicine category at...

PenCLAHRC's work with the Rheumatology Team at Derriford Hospital, on an innovative patient-led appointment system, has been shortlisted for another prestigious national award.

The Direct Access service, which enables patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, to have more control of their treatment, has been shortlisted in the General Medicine category at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards.

Introduced in 2011, the Patient Initiated Appointment System (PIAS), currently allows 800 patients to contact a specialist nurse when they are worried about an aspect of their disease. An appointment can then be made quickly, if required, rather than the...

Rheumatoid arthritis patients in Plymouth are getting to see health experts when they need to, as a result of new research from PenCLAHRC.

Under the existing model of care, patients with conditions such as arthritis are given routine appointments that often take place when their symptoms are mild. Yet when their condition deteriorates it can be difficult to secure an urgent appointment.

Now, a new approach known as Patient-Initiated Clinics (PIC) is hoping to transform the delivery of care across the South West by putting patients in control. Instead of appointments booked months in advance, the scheme allows people to contact their...