A local charity has united with leading county academics to create an in-house research subcommittee.

Lostock Hall’s St Catherine’s Hospice seeks to become a research-leading hospice, with innovative work steered by the committee and improved care for patients and their loved ones.

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The themes explored include innovation and connectivity to help with remote treatment and support, the importance and impact of nature in the hospice environment (biophilic design) and how it will improve the patient experience.

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Dr Andrew Fletcher, Medical Director at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We envisage a lot of our work is qualitative research, which suits the nature of palliative care.

“But we are also keen to embrace appropriate opportunities for clinical trials focused on new drugs, treatments or devices.

“At St Catherine’s, we are committed to improving experiences for the patients and families we care for – we are very excited and extremely proud to be collaborating with such respected partners in this important new area of work.”

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Dr Fletcher said the hospice achieves this by developing services through education and training and moving forward with the research programme.

The research subcommittee is chaired by St Catherine’s trustee Professor St John Crean, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Clinical) at the University of Central Lancashire.

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