Our research improves patient care and experience and shapes future clinical practice.

Our vision is to become a pioneer of research to support the delivery of sustainable mental health, learning disability and autism services that deliver the best outcomes for patients.

In February 2023, we approved our new research strategy.

  • We recruited 950 participants to research projects (placing us 9th out of all 50 mental health trusts nationally)
  • Our median study set-up time was 24 days, again placing us 9th nationally
  • We are number 1 for initiation of studies in England by the national Clinical Trials Performance system
  • We recruited to 40 National Institute for Health and Social Research (NIHR) portfolio studies 
  • Our BRIGhTMIND study, linked to the new Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Service that we launched in April 2021, made us the first NHS Trust in the North West to offer TMS for treatment resistant depression. The successful delivery of this study has ensured that we will be a preferred site for future such studies.

We work with local, national and international partners to undertake high-quality research across mental health, learning disability and autism services. This includes:

  • Over 10 projects with the University of Manchester
  • 15 projects with other NHS organisations around the UK
  • Three clinical trials units in York, Leeds and Sheffield
  • Global partnerships with University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), University of Bologna (Italy). and University of Wollongong (Australia)
  • Projects with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, including Lancashire Wildlife Trust
  • Work with 18 UK higher educations institutions

Our research collaborations

Our specialist research units develop and deliver research that directly improves patient outcomes and the quality of care.

We have a dedictated young people's mental health research unit. This group of experts focus on research to improve our child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), sharing our learning with partners.

We also have developed a learning disability research unit, psychosis research unit, and older people's research unit.

Our research projects are an opportunity for you to have a voice, share your experiences and have an influence on the care and treatment you or your loved ones receive.

There are many therapeutic benefits to being involved with research, including improved self-esteem and overall recovery through social interaction. We value your experiences and knowledge to help us improve the services and care we provide.

Please get in touch with us for more info: Researchdevelopment.penninecare@nhs.net

Service user feedback

TULIPS study: cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of a ward-based intervention to improve access to psychologically informed care and psychological therapy for mental health inpatients​​​​​​:

“The researcher first approached me when I had first arrived on the ward. I was quite poorly at this time but found the experience very therapeutic as she had a lot of time for me throughout the interview. This gave me time to express my feelings…(and) this was delivered in a sensitive way. It also made me feel as though I am doing something useful something that really matters. Research is great as it helps to develop new ideas and better ways of working to improve patient care I am looking forward to working with the psychologist as this will help my mental health when I go home.”