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Research at NPC
Shaping the future

Improving patient care through innovation

At Northumbria Primary Care (NPC), we are committed to leading the way and being involved in a wide range of clinical research to continually improve patient care and experience. We offer GP practices and patients the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research that also helps shape the future of primary care.

By integrating research into everyday practice, we ensure that our patients benefit from the latest medical advancements, treatments, and best practices, helping to improve healthcare outcomes locally and nationally.

Why research matters in primary care

  • Improves patient care by developing new treatments and enhancing existing ones.
  • Gives patients access to cutting-edge trials and innovative healthcare solutions.
  • Supports GPs and healthcare professionals in delivering evidence-based medicine.
  • Strengthens the future of primary care through continuous learning and development.

Meet the team

Dr Justine Norman, GP partner and clinical director for quality and research at NPC

I have been a research GP for nearly 20 years, initially at my former practice in Whitley Bay but more recently across all our NPC practices. I am also employed by the Regional Research Delivery Network as a regional research engagement lead.

 I believe all patients should be allowed to take part in research studies related to their health conditions. My aim is that NPC will grow as a research organisation, enabling more patients to be able to be involved in studies that may ultimately lead to changes in medical treatments in the future. 

Dr Alys Dean, GP partner and research fellow

I have been a research GP for the last 5 years and have a keen interest in shaping a future healthcare focused on prevention rather than cure.

It’s widely acknowledged that the NHS must shift towards a prevention-first model to sustain high-quality care for all while improving health outcomes. I believe innovation and research will be key drivers of this transformation. 

Samantha Hamilton, research nurse

Since moving into primary care as a practice nurse in 2019, I’ve worked as NPC’s research nurse across multiple sites. Our small team manages several studies simultaneously, and I’m involved from the outset.

I assess suitability, recruit participants, coordinate logistics, and ensure smooth operations. I also liaise with stakeholders like the NIHR Research Delivery Network. I’m committed to advancing research that improves the health of our local communities.

Mandy Cuthbert, research care coordinator

I bring 15 years of reception and GP practice experience to the role of research care coordinator.

My job is to support local research delivery and manage relationships with both regional and national partners.

Ongoing projects

NeuroMotor Pen

Completing writing tasks with an interactive pen and tablet in patients being investigated for possible memory loss or movement disorders. 
Are you interested? Fill in the form below. 

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Indigo

A national survey for people diagnosed with cancer in their adult life, the study looks at the positive and negative aspects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to improve care, treatments and services.

NIHR BioResource

Creating a database for research based on genotype or phenotype.
Are you interested? Fill in the form below.

Name *
Date of Birth *
Practice *
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Crib-2

A Trial for patients with a range of mental health diagnoses, this study assesses the benefits of Cognitive Remediation Therapy compared to normal treatment.

Acne Online

The Acne Care Online programme aims to create and test an online toolkit to support young people in effectively treating their acne. By doing this, it aims to reduce the negative physical and mental impact of acne and to reduce the overuse of antibiotics for treating acne.

Coral

Heart failure study looking at the potential benefits of adding CoEnzyme Q10 to normal care.

Research we’ve participated in:

SAFER

Evaluating the benefits of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) to prevent strokes.

ATHENA

Investigating whether Amitriptyline can prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term pain condition that can occur after shingles.

ESCAPE

Examining whether e-cigarettes can help individuals with mental illness quit smoking.

Holly Health

Testing a digital health coaching platform for patients with hypertension and anxiety/depression.

Magnify

A low-intervention study to investigate whether adherence support can improve COPD outcomes.

OPACE

Optimising Azithromycin prevention treatment in COPD to reduce exacerbations.

ASCEnD

ASCEnD is a pragmatic, open-label RCT in bipolar depression of quetiapine vs aripiprazole/sertraline combination.

Self Frax

An online study to raise awareness of fracture risk factors and improve osteoporosis care.

OPAL

Looking at he optimal prescribing of Levothyroxine.

Patient testimonials

See below for feedback from patients who’ve participated in a research project.

“I’ve never done any research before, but because it was at my normal surgery, I thought I would give it a try … I’ll take part in more now!”