Modern medical care is based on evidence from research, leading to the development of new & improved patient treatments. Heart of Bath patients are able to participate in this research giving them opportunities to contribute towards the improvement of care.
Please call or email us if you want to know more about research and studies we are involved in:
Direct telephone: 01225 423250 Email: bswicb.HOBresearch@nhs.net Twitter: 
Dr Johnson & Dr Eavis lead Heart of Bath’s award-winning Research Team.
We have won NIHR CRN West of England award 2022 on following categories:
- Innovative Recruitment
Heart of Bath Research team
- Supporting and Developing Colleagues
Mary Anne Fifield, Lead Research Nurse
click here to Meet the Team
What studies are we involved in?
STUDIES CURRENTLY RECRUITING…
Does your body fat play a role in providing immunity against viruses?
STUDIES ON FOLLOW UP…
Immune Defence
Nasal sprays and a brief physical activity and stress management intervention in preventing and reducing Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)
Integrated therapist and online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for depression in primary care
HARMONIE study
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine study for babies under 12 months
The SAFER Trial – Screening for Atrial Fibrillation with ECG to Reduce stroke
A programme of research investigating screening to detect atrial fibrillation, a heart condition responsible for one in ten strokes.
Target population recruited… thank you to all patients who consented
University of Cambridge Trial team will be sending out handheld ECGs to consented patients. Please return in the Freepost envelope provided once 3 weeks of home recordings are complete.
Active Brains:
An interactive website for people aged 60-85 designed to help with lifestyle changes and brain training activities that can help to keep the brain and body healthy.
National surveillance of infectious diseases in the community
– click the logo to go to the JDR website
a service which allows people to register their interest in participating in dementia research and be matched to suitable studies.
How to take part
You may be invited by letter or phone call if you meet the criteria for a study – look out for posters in the waiting room or call the surgery to volunteer – we would love to hear from you.
Do I have to take part?
No, it is completely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. Withdrawing from a study will not affect the quality of care you will receive.
Is our research safe and ethical?
All our research studies have been approved by the appropriate authorities and our research team are fully qualified and trained.
Some of our studies only involve gathering information. However if a medicinal product is offered, the potential risks and benefits will be explained by our doctors and nurses verbally and in writing so that patients have plenty of time to decide if they want to take part.
Thank you
We would like to thank the hundreds of patients who have volunteered their time and commitment to take part in research over the years. Their contribution has helped to make the care we provide even better for the future.
If you wish to find out more information about health and care research. Please read more on: Be Part of Research
Meet the team
Dr Tim Johnson
Research lead & Principal Investigator
Dr Johnson leads the Heart of Bath Research Team with over 25 years experience working in phase 2, 3 and 4 clinical trials. He is dedicated to the safety of our patients and ensuring our research is carried out to the highest standards.
Dr Patrick Eavis
Principal Investigator & GP Champion
With over 25 years experience of commercial clinical trials in all major treatment areas, Dr Eavis is the GP Champion for the National Institute for Health Research, and also a past member of the local Local Research Ethics Committee.
Mary Anne Fifield
Lead Research Nurse
Mary has extensive research experience in secondary and primary care. She regularly facilitates on NIHR (National Institution for Health and Care Research) communication skills workshop, has a link practitioner role between the NIHR and other GP practices in the West of England and is the Regional Coordinator for the HARMONIE RSV study.
Nabina Gurung
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Nabina has research experience in secondary and primary care. She is the Regional Coordinator for the HARMONIE RSV study, West of England.
Our Resources
- Investigators with 30 plus years experience
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trained Research Team
- GCP trained doctors, nurses and phlebotomists
- High recruitment levels, top UK and European recruiter
- Excellent audit results
- Independent, fully equipped unit and spacious monitoring facilities
- Onsite pharmacy and pharmacists
Past Studies / Examples of our Trials expertise
GMRx2 ACT 1 Study– finding out if GMRx2 triple combination medication is equally or more effective in lowering high blood pressure compared with any combination of 2 of the active ingredients- closed to recruitment
Principle study- finding COVID-19 treatments for recovery at home- closed to recruitment
VitaDEx Study– To understand whether exercise improves health through the release of vitamin D and other molecules ‘trapped’ in our body fat-Closed to recruitment
PriMUS- Primary care Management of lower Urinary tract Symptoms in men: Development and validation of a diagnostic and decision-making aid – Closed to recruitment
SANTORINI – an observational study to help doctors improve the care of patients with high or very high cholesterol – Closed
MET52 – Meningitis (MenACYW) Vaccination for Babies – before your baby has their first vaccinations – Closed
Venous Leg Ulcer – a wound care device study – Completed
Type 2 Diabetes – a weekly injectable treatment not routinely available in the UK – Completed
SUPPORTBACK2 – Online support for self-management of low back pain – Completed
CLASP Renewed – Online support for those recovering from Breast, Prostate or Colorectal cancer – Completed
Psychological impact of COVID- 19- pandemic and experience: An international survey – Completed
Virus Watch: a study of immunity to COVID-19 and other common respiratory infections – Completed
- Urgent Public Health
- Vaccinations: Adults and children
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Urinary Symptoms in men
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Opioid Induced Constipation
- ENT (Ear Nose & Throat conditions)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Eczema
- Acute Cough
- Dyspepsia
- Cancer Pain
- Pneumonia
- Osteoporosis
- Prostate Cancer
- Sore Throat
- Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in infants
- Dermatology
- Diet & Lifestyle
