Research active organisations provide newer, more efficient treatments and models of care. Since the appointment of a new research lead in September 2014 and development of the research department with support from Kingston Hospital Charity, the hospital has seen a rapid increase in research activity – by March 2018 it was involved in over 70 open National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) studies.

Charitable funding is also supporting ‘non-portfolio’ research work involving collaborations with Kingston University to build knowledge and understanding about conditions, often asking basic science questions to help future understanding, therapies and management of specific diseases.

The research team has also been able to acquire new equipment with our support, including an -80⁰C freezer which has allowed the hospital to participate in commercial and non-commercial NHS portfolio studies which require access to -80⁰C freezing, while increasing its ability to help with Kingston Hospital collaborations.