The appointment of a Trust research leader to a prestigious nationwide project will help open up new opportunities for nurses.
Sarah Daniel, our head of research, is one of just 36 nurses nationwide selected to take part in a Senior Research Leader Programme run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The aim of the three-year programme is to “realise the untapped potential of senior nurses and midwives” and support their development as future research leaders.
Help shape the future of mental health care
“I’m really proud to be selected for the NIHR Senior Research Leader Programme, which will help more nurses get involved in research,” said Sarah.
“I’m also very proud to be representing research in mental health care, which can sometimes be overlooked, and giving nurses within our Trust the chance to shape the future of mental health care.”
Involvement in the new project means that Sarah will be funded for two days a week for the next three years to help nurses within our Trust get involved in research.
This will involve setting up new initiatives with partners including local universities, and building on existing opportunities with University of York, York St. John University and Teesside University.
Research can help pioneer care
Sarah has spent over two decades working in research and feels that there are great benefits for nurses to being involved in the field – even if it isn’t a major part of their usual role.
“I definitely think that being involved in research gives you a different perspective on nursing and caring for patients,” said Sarah.
“Research gives nurses the chance to broaden their knowledge, gain new skills and pioneer new ways of caring for people, all while continuing with their existing role.”
“These skills will also have a positive impact on improving patient care through the generation of new evidence.”
- In 2022, the Trust’s research and development team were shortlisted for an award in the Clinical Research Nursing category at the prestigious Nursing Times Awards. The nomination followed the introduction of new initiatives allowing nurses to play key roles in the development and delivery of research to improve care and treatment for patients, their families and carers.