Last year saw more than 25,000 individuals engage in health and social care research initiatives.

The number encompasses approximately 10,000 contributors at Oxford University Hospitals, representing the government’s drive to move medical services from hospital settings into local communities.

OUH’s research and development director, Professor Adrian Banning, stated that these numbers highlight how crucial clinical studies are to the trust’s operations. He noted that collaborations with Oxford University, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford Health are producing results that transform clinical practice.

Across England, 4,536 research projects engaged 878,698 volunteers, with cumulative national participation exceeding 7.4 million individuals since April 2020.

Within Oxfordshire specifically, 9,885 members of the public contributed to 488 projects conducted at OUH, while a further 10,915 were involved in 28 projects overseen by the University of Oxford.

An additional 2,427 took part in 52 projects delivered through Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which offers physical healthcare, mental health services and social care provision.

Involvement in research aids the development of novel therapies, enhances the NHS, public health and social care services, and preserves lives.

Supplementary contributions came from 1,723 participants at GP surgeries and 118 at care homes, pharmacies, hospices, educational establishments and dental practices.

Professor Banning expressed gratitude to patients who have already contributed and indicated that upcoming plans aim to provide greater numbers of patients with chances to participate in research as part of their medical care.

Healthcare officials are urging local residents to register through the Be Part of Research platform to receive updates about upcoming investigations.