Transforming lives through research
Our practice is a research active practice. This means we actively support and conduct different types of research with the intention of improving outcomes for patients. New treatments, technologies, care approaches and devices all need to be carefully and safely tested in real life healthcare environments. Clinical research in these environments is separately funded and adds value to patient care.
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the importance of clinical research, which was crucial to the development of vaccines and treatments that have saved millions of lives globally. Clinical research is essential for discovering new treatments for diseases, as well as new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the chance of developing the disease and by improving the efficiency and efficacy of care. It can be a vital tool in tackling waiting list backlogs and reducing the pressure on the NHS.
You may be approached or invited to consider taking part in research from time to time. Participation in research is completely voluntary and your decision to take part or not will not affect your clinical care in any way.
Our practice works with the National Institute for Health and Care Research who provide support to enable us to offer research to our patients. Every research study is different, and patient involvement varies depending on the type of study. You will be provided with information on the study to help you decide whether you want to be part of it or not. Below are some examples of what you may be asked to do for a research study:
- Complete a questionnaire
- Take part in an interview
- Use a new therapy / device / website
- Take a treatment under supervision
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC now has a remit to assess how care organisations are supporting and using health and care research to improve population health. The 2021 CQC Strategy specifically refers to the value of research in population care. If you do not wish to be approached for research, please contact the practice.
Useful links for more information:
- Join Dementia Research connects registered volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies: Join dementia research
- Research for The Future has opportunities to get involved in research across all health conditions as well as for healthy volunteers: Research for the Future
- NIHR Evidence makes health and care research findings informative, accessible, relevant and ready for use for all: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/
Current Research Projects
The Looking Forward Project – behopeful.co.uk
Health Management Course – Information for Participants
Where and When:
- Downs Leisure Centre, Sutton Road, Seaford, BN25 4QW
- 8 weeks, 1.30pm to 3.00pm, starting Thursday 2nd October 2025
Course Aims:
- This is a free course for Old School Surgery and Seaford Medical Practice patients with diabetes to develop confidence in managing their health and exercising regularly
- The course aims to empower patients to become healthier and fitter through expert advice, exercise classes and peer support in small groups of up to 10 people
- The exercise classes will involve low impact exercises under the guidance of a specialist trained Wave Active Fitness Instructor
- Each week a Wave Active Health Coach, GP or Nurse will provide advice on how to stay healthy covering topics of exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress management
Course Plan:
- Week 1 – Introduction, Myth Busting and Q&A on Diabetes with GP/Practice Nurse (30 mins), Introduction to the Course and Questionnaire with Andrea, Health Coach and Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor (60 mins)
- Week 2 – Goal Setting and Behaviour Change with Andrea, Health Coach (45 mins), Exercise Class – Introduction to the Gym (45mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
- Week 3 – Nutrition Mastery Part 1 with Andrea, Health Coach (45 mins), Exercise Class – Guided Gym (45mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
- Week 4 – Nutrition Mastery Part 2 (45 mins) and Exercise Class – Functional Fit Lower Level (45mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
- Week 5 – Group Consultation (Q&A) with GP/Practice Nurse (45 mins), Exercise Class – Walking for Fitness (weather permitting) (45mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
- Week 6 – Stress Management and Sleep Management with Andrea, Health Coach (45 mins), Exercise Class – Circuits (45mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
- Week 7 – Importance and Benefits of Exercise, Wave Active Health Membership Offer and Exercise Class – Guided Gym with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor (90 mins)
- Week 8 – Review of Goals and Questionnaire with Andrea, Health Coach (60 mins), Exercise Class – Circuits (30 mins) with Hannah, Specialist Fitness Instructor
What to expect:
- Expert advice on how to keep healthy from a Health Coach and Specialist Fitness Instructor from Wave Active, and from a GP/Nurse from your GP Practice
- The exercise classes will involve ‘gentle’ exercises with time for a warmup and cool down
What to bring and wear:
- A bottle of water to keep you hydrated
- Please wear appropriate exercise clothing and footwear. i.e. leggings/joggers/shorts, a comfortable top, and trainers (no jeans or open toe shoes)
- Changing rooms are available
To register for the course and for any questions, please contact the Wave Active Health Team at referral@waveleisure.co.uk