Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHFT) has been confirmed as a full member of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN), placing the Trust among a small, highly selected group of just nine full member sites nationwide.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Oxfordshire and reinforces OHFT’s position at the forefront of innovation in dementia studies and clinical trial delivery.
The UK Dementia Trials Network is a national initiative designed to transform the delivery of early-phase dementia clinical trials across the UK. Bringing together NHS organisations, universities, industry partners, charities and people with lived experience, the network aims to make the UK a leading destination for high-quality research studies. Its focus is on improving the speed, consistency and inclusivity of trial delivery so that more people can take part, regardless of where they live.
Despite almost one million people living with dementia in the UK, fewer than one per cent currently participate in early-stage clinical trials. The UKDTN is addressing this by building specialist infrastructure, developing expert teams and embedding dedicated Dementia Research Nurses within NHS organisations to support participants and their families. By streamlining trial set-up and delivery, the network aims to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and treatments at a time of growing international momentum.
OHFT’s full membership reflects the strength of its portfolio, its close partnerships with academic collaborators across Oxford, and its commitment to delivering patient-centred, inclusive studies. As one of only nine full member sites nationally, the Trust will play an important role in shaping the future of early-phase dementia trials and attracting cutting-edge studies to the region.
Amanda Colston, NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Oxford Health Matron said:
“Becoming a full member of the UK Dementia Trials Network is a significant achievement for Oxford Health and a testament to the expertise of our clinical and research teams. Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Through the UKDTN, we can work with partners across the country to bring innovative trials to our patients, widen participation and help accelerate the development of better treatments and care.”
Supporting this work is Samuel Agyapong, Alzheimer’s Society UKDTN Senior Research Nurse, based at the CRF: Oxford Health. Sam’s role is part of a UK-wide programme funded by Alzheimer’s Society in partnership with the NIHR-funded UKDTN to establish the first dedicated network of Dementia Research Nurses across the UK.
His role focuses on expanding opportunities to take part in research across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, building relationships with local communities, improving diversity in participation and supporting individuals and families throughout their involvement in studies.
Samuel said:
“It is a real privilege to join experienced nurses across the country as part of the first UK-wide network of dementia research nurses. For me, this role is deeply personal and meaningful because it creates the opportunity to focus my skills, passion and energy on delivering high-quality, compassionate and accessible research for people affected by dementia and their families. Together with colleagues across the nurses’ network and at our CRF, I hope to reduce feelings of helplessness and build hope for families affected by dementia by supporting studies that are caring, inclusive and meaningful to their lives.”
For people across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, OHFT’s membership of the UKDTN means greater access to innovative studies closer to home, supported by specialist staff and expertise. For the NHS, it represents an important step towards more equitable, efficient and impactful clinical research.
To find out more about taking part in dementia research at Oxford Health, email [email protected]
For more information about the UK Dementia Trials Network, visit www.ukdtn.org.
