Better support for people experiencing menopause after cancer treatment. More tailored care for those using drugs and alcohol in pregnancy. Safer antibiotic prescribing, and improved nutrition during treatment.
These are some of the practical improvements already being delivered for patients across Sussex as staff turn research and lived experience into changes in everyday care.
At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex), My Charity (the dedicated NHS charity for local hospitals in Sussex) funded research fellowships are enabling nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists and doctors to work with patients to design and improve services. The projects focus on issues that matter most to patients – improving quality of life, widening access to care and reducing inequalities.
My Charity Accelerator Fellow, Dr Renske McFarlane, described the difference a menopause support clinic developed as part of her project is making to breast cancer survivors: “With this support, we are now seeing menopausal breast cancer survivors engaging in life again, having relationships with their partners again, and coming off anti-depressants.”
Specialist Midwife and My Charity Internship Fellow, Anna Ferguson, whose project focuses on developing residential rehabilitation support for those using drugs and alcohol in pregnancy, said: “Listening to the needs and concerns of service users is key. Working with them on service design is transformational in delivering holistic care and support for some of the most vulnerable clients in UHSussex
The fellowships are also helping staff develop confidence and connections across teams. “The fellowship has not only given me the confidence to discuss research with patients, but also to ask other members of staff” said Dr Bonnie Gammer, Specialist Medical Trainee in Cancer, and My Charity Internship Fellow. “It has helped me build a community at UHSussex and makes me want to stay at UHSussex.”
Research champions (who represent patients, carers and the public) and staff came together on 11 February 2026 to share learning and reflect on the progress being made. Colleagues from nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, pharmacy and medicine joined My Charity representatives to present their work through posters and presentations.
Projects ranged from improving antibiotic prescribing in the face of antimicrobial resistance, to supporting nutrition during head and neck cancer treatment and strengthening care pathways for vulnerable groups. Across all the work, a consistent theme emerged: patients shaping services and research translating into practical improvements in care.
The event highlighted collaboration at every level – staff learning from patients, specialties learning from each other and teams working across organisational boundaries.
By investing in staff and supporting partnership with patients, the fellowships are strengthening both workforce development and patient care. They are helping build a connected community committed to delivering meaningful improvements for people using healthcare services across Sussex.
To find out more about the work of our Research Champions at UHSussex, please visit Research champions – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
If you are interested in taking part in clinical research, please visit Be Part of Research.
To find out more about research career development opportunities available to UHSussex staff, please visit Research career development – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.