Bolton Hospice commended for playing part in research to improve end of life care

A Greater Manchester hospice has been recognised for its contribution to the advancement of palliative care by carrying out health and care research with its patients. 

Bolton Hospice was presented with the accolade by representatives from Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester, which is part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The CRN Greater Manchester Certificate of Achievement is presented to deserving teams or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the delivery of NIHR portfolio health and care research in the region.

Bolton Hospice was selected for the award in recognition of its involvement in research and leading the way as the most research-active hospice in the region, serving as an exemplar for other palliative care sites.

The hospice, based off Chorley New Road, has played an important part in CHELsea II trial, which is assessing whether giving patients in the last days of life fluids via a drip, also known as ‘clinically-assisted hydration’, is effective at preventing them from developing delirium, or ‘terminal agitation’.

This problem often occurs at end-of-life and can cause distress such as confusion and restlessness, to patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

So far, 15 patients at Bolton Hospice have agreed to be part of the trial. In doing so, they have contributed vital data to the UK-wide project, which is working with 80 sites across the country and is aiming to collect data from 1,600 participants.

Dr Ellie McCann, Consultant Physician and Bolton Hospice’s Medical Director, and her team have been praised by CRN Greater Manchester for their efforts.

Bindhu Xavier, a Senior Clinical Research Nurse from CRN Greater Manchester who has supported Bolton Hospice on the trial, said: “The NIHR is keen to grow research in hospices to increase the evidence base around palliative and end of life care and support services in helping people at the end of their lives to live as well as possible.

“Dr McCann and the team have shown such commitment to starting Bolton Hospice on their research journey and providing a shining example of how hospices and their patients can contribute to health and care research. One of our values is to make research as inclusive as possible for everyone across Greater Manchester and, by offering opportunities to be part of the CHELsea II study, Bolton Hospice are helping us to do this.”

Dr McCann said: “Bolton House have been proud to be part of this trial looking at a topic which is common for patients in our care and around the world in palliative care. The patients and families we have approached have been very keen to play a part in this research and we are extremely grateful for their involvement. By consenting to take part, they are all leaving a wonderful legacy by helping to improve the comfort of future patients in end of life care.”

The certificate was received by Bolton Hospice staff (from left in the photo) Vikki Hutchinson, IPU service lead; Olivia Power, nurse associate; Lisa Tate, advanced clinical nurse practitioner; and Dr Ellie McCann, consultant physician and medical director.

The certificate presentation was made by CRN Greater Manchester team members Bindhu Xavier, Senior Clinical Research Nurse; Ash Minchin, Research Support Facilitator; and David Pickthall, Communications Officer.