Did you know that Darwen Healthcare is a research-active practice? We are proud to be part of the wider NHS research community, helping to improve healthcare now and for future generations. Research plays a vital role in finding better ways to prevent illness, diagnose conditions earlier, and treat patients more effectively.
Our dedicated Research Team is led by Dr Oluremi Ige, GP Partner, with support from Research Nurse Katie Smith and Physician Associate Faiz Majid. We have recently welcomed Dr Jade Kurien to the practice as part of her GP training, and she will be working with the Research team. Together, they help bring high-quality research opportunities to our patients, covering areas such as healthier lifestyles, long-term condition management, prevention of ill health, and treatments for common illnesses like flu.

Why research matters
Taking part in research can benefit both current and future patients. Evidence shows that people treated in research-active practices often have better health outcomes. For some patients, research also provides access to new treatments or closer monitoring of health conditions. Many of our patients tell us that they enjoy the opportunity to learn more about their own health while knowing they are also contributing to the care of future generations.
What’s involved?
From time to time, you may be invited to take part in a research study. This might be through a letter, text message, or a conversation with one of our healthcare professionals. Participation is always voluntary – choosing not to take part will never affect the care you receive. If you do decide to get involved, you can withdraw at any time without giving a reason.
Every study we support has been carefully checked and approved by national health authorities and ethics committees, so you can be assured it is safe and appropriate. You will always receive clear information about what a study involves, and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Your data and your choice
We want to reassure all our patients that your personal information is protected. No identifiable details are ever shared with researchers without your explicit consent. If you are invited to take part, any letters will come directly from Darwen Healthcare staff.
How research is funded
All research carried out at Darwen Healthcare is externally funded, meaning it does not take resources away from NHS services or routine GP and nurse appointments. The practice receives dedicated funding to cover any additional work linked to research, so there is no impact on the care we provide day to day. In fact, as we expand our research team, taking part in research can bring extra income into the practice, which can then be reinvested into developing and supporting other patient services.
Want to know more?
If you’d like to find out more about research at Darwen Healthcare, or have any questions, please ask for Katie Smith, our Clinical Research Nurse. Whether you choose to take part or not, your involvement helps strengthen our role as a research-active practice and contributes to better healthcare for everyone.

Katie Smith, Research Nurse:
I’m Katie Smith, the Clinical Research Nurse here at Darwen Healthcare. I have been a nurse for over 10 years, and for the past 6 years I’ve worked in general practice. I joined Darwen Healthcare in January 2023, when research was only a small project within the practice. With the encouragement of our research-active GPs, we’ve since been able to grow and expand our research activities, opening up more opportunities for patients to get involved.
As a Research Nurse, my role is to support patients and the practice team throughout the research journey. I act as the main point of contact for anyone who has questions about a study, and I make sure that patients have clear, accessible information before deciding whether they’d like to take part. I also help coordinate the practical side of studies – from identifying suitable patients, to managing study visits, and ensuring all the research is carried out safely and to the highest standards.
No two days in research are ever the same, which is what makes the role so rewarding. A typical day might start with me reviewing new studies that are opening and working with our GPs to see which might be a good fit for our patients. I then look through our patient lists to identify who might be eligible and send out invitations, or sometimes I’ll speak to patients directly during their appointments to explain what’s involved. Much of my day is spent talking with patients, answering their questions, and helping them feel confident about whether research is right for them. I also coordinate study visits, which could involve checking blood pressure, collecting samples, or supporting patients to complete questionnaires. Behind the scenes, I