Many General Practices in the CCG take part in some form of research, in fact Oldham CCG is one of the most research active CCGs in Greater Manchester.  Practices offer their patients the opportunity to take part in research studies relevant to their condition.  The ethics, quality and safety of this research is very tightly controlled by the Greater Manchester Clinical Research Network of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) https://www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/greater-manchester/

Since 2010 there have been 42 studies undertaken and recruitment closed although not all have finished being analysed and published yet.

Topics researched in the 5 years to 2015 have included: respiratory health and its effect on quality of life, mental health, neurological problems, cardiovascular disease, cancer and issues around organisation and quality of health services.

There are 3 studies actively recruiting Oldham patients at the moment:

·       TIME (Treatment In Morning versus Evening)  - cardiovascular conditions treatment

·       The Million Women Study – a massive national survey involving more than a million women over 50.  It is collecting information on diet, exercise, employment patterns, oral contraceptive use, childbirth and breastfeeding, and family history of illness, then matching this over the coming years with development of cancers, bone disease , cardiovascular disease and other conditions.   More details are here:  http://www.millionwomenstudy.org/introduction/

·      British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR) – looking at the safety of the newer treatments (biologic therapy) for disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis

The CCG strives to support its practices and staff to develop professionally by involvement in research and clinical audit.   The CCG is also keen to work with Oldham Council on the health and social care research agenda.

Julie Hotchkiss, interim Consultant in Public Health, 29 June 2016