University Hospitals of Liverpool Group launches new mobile health and research hub

A new mobile health and research hub that will make it easier for local communities in Merseyside to take part in health research has been launched by NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG).

The mobile hub will bring services directly to communities, removing traditional barriers to involvement. It will also provide essential health services, including bowel cancer screening, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health and well-being for people across Merseyside. The hub, which was developed by EMS Healthcare in collaboration with University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, is equipped with a consultation room for conducting medical assessments such as blood pressure, height and weight measurements. It also includes a specially designed research station for collecting and storing blood samples in a regulated environment.

Professor Terry Jones, Director of Research and Innovation UHLG, said:

“This initiative enables us to bring cutting-edge research directly to local communities, visiting key locations and community centres.

“By making it easier for people to participate, we’re opening up important research studies that can improve health across the region. It will be critical in delivering the strategy of the newly funded NIHR Liverpool Commercial Research Delivery Centre.”

Professor Jones was joined today (Monday 3 February) by long-time research participants Jane Burns, 53, and Bryn Williams, 63, to officially launch the initiative at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

Bryn Williams, from South Wales, took part in a five-year research study at Aintree University Hospital, looking at a chronic liver condition called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

He said:

“It’s an honour to be asked to join the research team to launch the mobile health and research hub. Taking part in a research study over five years, I got to know the team well and was supported throughout the process. I recommend anyone interested in taking part in research to reach out to their medical team or GP to find out how they can get involved.”

UHLG is dedicated to making healthcare and research more inclusive, and the mobile hub brings both services and research opportunities directly to those who would benefit most. The hub is part of a regional initiative supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Jules West, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at UHLG, worked closely with EMS Healthcare to design and develop the hub.

Jules said:

“We’re thrilled to roll out our mobile research facility, following the success of the original NIHR research bus. Our mission is to make sure everyone has access to the latest research, and we’re excited to bring that to life across Merseyside. We’re also working with our clinical teams to make sure that any health services that can be delivered in the community are available through our mobile hub.”

EMS Healthcare also helped create the first mobile research facility, ‘Kitty,’ for the NIHR.

Dr Clare Grace, CEO at EMS Healthcare, said:

“EMS Healthcare is proud to work with UHLG on their latest mobile research unit.  As the fifth EMS Healthcare mobile unit in NIHR’s fleet, the hub is supporting a flexible network of community research sites to help transform health research across the North-West.

“Bringing clinical research directly into communities, particularly those that are underserved, will create more opportunities for people to benefit from being part of research. Building on the success of ‘Kitty,’ our new unit has been designed follow consultation with clinical staff and patient to ensure it is fit for its purpose.

“This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting important research and improving access for patients, no matter where they are.”

To find out where the Health and Research Hub will be visiting, follow UHLG’s Research and Innovation team on X and Instagram @UHLG_RI.

To get involved in research at UHLG, visit their website.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.