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Research at Brownlow Health

Last Updated: Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Clinical research is the study of health, illness, and healthcare involving people. It helps us find better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat conditions, and improve patient care.

At Brownlow Health, we believe research should be simple, inclusive, and shaped by the communities it serves.

Why Research Matters? 

Research-active GP practices help improve healthcare for current and future generations.

By taking part in research, Brownlow health can:

  • Improve treatments and services
  • Better understand the needs of local communities
  • Reduce health inequalities
  • Give patients a voice in shaping healthcare
  • Support healthier communities for future generations

Our Approach

We are committed to research that is inclusive, safe, and shaped by the communities we serve.

Inclusive
Open to people from all backgrounds and communities.
Community Focused
Based on the health needs of local people.
Safe and Ethical
All clinical research undertaken at our surgery is thoroughly checked and approved by ethical committees, to ensure it is safe to perform. A strict code of conduct is at the heart of all our work to make sure data is always confidential.
Patient Led
Designed with patient involvement and feedback.
Taking Part is Your Choice
Taking part in research is always voluntary, and your care will not be affected if you decide not to take part.

 

What Taking Part Might Involve

You can help shape the future of healthcare by taking part in research.

You may be invited to:

  • Complete a survey
  • Join an interview or focus group
  • Take part in a clinical study
  • Share your healthcare experiences

Taking part in research is always voluntary, and you can decide whether a study is right for you.

Interested in Taking Part?

Interested in hearing about future research opportunities?

Register your interest here or email us at Brownlow.ResearchTeam@livgp.nhs.uk

Thank you to every patient, partner, and staff member helping us improve healthcare through research. Together, we are creating healthier communities and better care for everyone.

FAQs

What is clinical research?
Healthcare research is the study of health, illness, and healthcare services to help improve treatments, care, and outcomes for patients.
Do I have to take part?
No. Taking part in research is entirely your choice, and deciding not to take part will not affect your care in any way
Is research safe?
As with all treatments, there are potential side effects, so we see patients more frequently as YOUR safety is our top priority.
If I take part, will my care change during the research?
Your healthcare team will explain whether a study involves any changes to your usual care. Your care and wellbeing will always remain a priority.
Can I leave a study?
Yes. You can withdraw from a study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect the care you receive.
Who can take part?
Research is open to many people, although each study has its own requirements. your doctor or nurse may discuss a study with you during an appointment

 

Patient's Rights

We actively support and conduct different types of research with the intention of improving outcomes for patients. New treatments, technologies, care approaches and devices all need to be carefully and safely tested in real life healthcare environments. Clinical research in these environments is separately funded and adds value to patient care.

All clinical research undertaken at our surgery is thoroughly checked and approved by ethical committees, to ensure it is safe to perform. A strict code of conduct is at the heart of all our work to make sure data is always confidential. 

How health and care researchers use information from patients, service users and other participants in research

This research contributes to breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment, prevention, and interventions for patient care now and in the future. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our patients past and present who have taken part in research. 

Meet the Team

 

Sarah Nosib: Research Lead GP                                                                                      Leads research across the practice, making sure studies are safe, high quality, and focus on improving patient care.

 

Nicola Heazel: Research Lead Nurse                                                                        Oversees the clinical delivery of research study, while making sure that patients feel informed, safe, and cared for throughout their journey

 

Elise Mbarga: Research and Inclusion Care Coordinator                                          Promotes inclusive research participation by engaging diverse communities and helping ensure equitable access to research opportunities.

 

Emily Clark: Finance Analyst                                                                                        Manages the financial side of research by processing invoices, monitoring budget, and making sure funding is used correctly to support research projects.

 

James Bull: Health Care Assistant                                                                              Works closely with participants and the research team, providing practical support and helping create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone involved.

 

Penny Roberts: IT Admin Assistant                                                                            Supports the day-to-day administration of IT services, assisting with system access, equipment management, and technical support for staff and research teams.

 

Connie Sullivan: IT & Research facilitator                                                                Provides technical and operational support for research projects, helping teams implement digital solutions, manage research systems, and improve study processes.

Past Trials

Some of our clinical trials to date that you have participated in, include:

Green and yellow logo reads: OPTIMISE 2: Optimising Prescription of Treatment In older patients with Mild hypertension at Increased risk of Serious adverse Events

OPTIMISE 2

The OPTIMISE 2 trial will establish whether deprescribing common drugs that lower blood pressure is safe or effective in older people in the longer term (a year or more). 

 

DaRe2THINK

A transformational project that will test a new way of running clinical trials at General Practices in the NHS.

Indigo Survey

The Indigo survey is for all people who have been diagnosed with cancer at any time in their adult life. 

 

FluSNIFF

Testing the safety of a nasal flu vaccine spray in children aged 12-23 months. The spray is already approved in children aged 2 years and older and given each winter.

 

 

STRIPE

Investigating real world use of eczema treatments in people under 25 years old.

 

SWELL

Swell study aims to help young people learn wellbeing skills through an online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) group program, while also receiving support for parents with depressive symptoms.

 

RELIEF

Assessing a new relief inhaler for mild Asthma

ATHENA

ATHENA

A study to find out if using amitriptyline when the rash first appears prevents pain later for patients diagnosed with Shingles.