NCA Research & Innovation

12/03/2026

New insight into problems after stroke - important research here.
Researchers have found that tracking changes in a protein linked to inflammation (interleukin-6) after a could help identify people at risk of later memory and thinking problems (cognitive problems). The study also suggests that smoking may make people more at risk of memory and thinking problems in association with ongoing inflammation after a stroke.
The team, including Prof Craig Smith (pictured) followed patients treated for an ischaemic stroke at Salford Royal Hospital, part of Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
The research is part of the Stroke IMPaCT study, a network of European and North American researchers who are working to discover how inflammation and immune responses contribute to post-stroke cognitive decline.

10/03/2026

A big thank you to our research star of the month at Salford Care Organisation , senior clinical fellow Dr Zarak Khan for his dedicated work on the HEALS2 study, looking at wound healing after the removal of keratinocyte cancers (a type of skin cancer) on the lower leg. He works closely with the cancer research nursing team to make sure the process is well organised and straight forward and communicates exceptionally well with patients, taking the time to explain the study and procedures clearly and reassuringly. He is always polite, respectful, and professional, and patients respond very positively to his approach. The team say he has outstanding clinical expertise and a strong understanding of research principles.

09/03/2026

Bury and Rochdale Podiatry Services are acting as trial sites for an NIHR-funded project evaluating smart insoles designed to alert users to abnormalities in foot temperature and pressure.
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are being recruited to the Path Active study, with the aim of improving patient outcomes while also helping to reduce overall workforce demands.
The study is one of 24 supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Invention for Innovation (i4i) Funding At the Speed of Translation (FAST) programme and will be led by James Linsley in Bury and Katie Duncan in Rochdale. They are pictured with sponsor representative Lise Pape and patient advocate Andy Lavender.

05/03/2026

Iʼm raising money to Donal O’Donoghue Renal Research Centre. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

03/03/2026

Set your alarm! Neurosurgeon Professor Omar Pathmanaban will feature in tomorrow evening's episode of The Surgeon on Channel 5 at 9pm. As well as his clinical role at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, he is strategic lead at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre.

We cannot wait 📺Channel 5

Mr Omar Pathmanaban said: The documentary is a rare opportunity to show how we care for patients who are facing the most daunting challenge of their lives, dealing with conditions and treatments that can be life threatening."

https://ow.ly/ukPV50YnVrE

02/03/2026

Teacher Rob Hasler has spoken to the BBC about his motor neurone disease - it's a brilliantly inspiring story:

Rob Hasler's regular runs up a hill have been replaced by walks with friends, family and pupils.

25/02/2026

Well done to study research nurse Olu Bello and the dermatology research team at Salford, who have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to the BADBIR registry, monitoring the long-term safety of new treatments for . With more than 23,000 registrations, it is the largest psoriasis study of its kind globally.

The team running the study at The University of Manchester have singled out the Salford research nurses and assistants for their efficiency and hard work dealing with queries and follow-ups.

Professor Richard Warren is BADBIR's chief investigator and Dr Hamish Hunter is the principal investigator at Salford.

24/02/2026

Colleagues from the Adult Inherited Metabolic Disorders Department at Salford Royal Hospital teamed up with a charity to offer extra support to people with Glycogen Storage Disorders in the run up to Rare Disease Day on Saturday (28 February).
Consultant in adult metabolic medicine Dr Karolina Stepien is a trustee of the charity AGSD - UK and arranged the multidisciplinary clinics.
They brought together doctors, specialist nurses, dietitians and physiotherapists along with specialist care advisor Elizabeth Davenport from the charity.
Elizabeth offered advice on housing, benefits, education, employment and emotional support to patients and families attending outpatients’ appointments with Dr Stepien and her colleagues Dr Ana Jovanovic and Dr John Bassett. She was delighted to speak with several people who hadn’t heard of the charity previously – as well as to meet up with some that she’s only met virtually previously.
Dr Stepien explained: “Glycogen Storage Disorders are rare and complex inherited conditions that can cause muscle weakness and liver damage. There are several different types, which all affect people differently. Currently there is no cure, so treatment is based on managing symptoms – which is why it’s so important to have the whole multidisciplinary team involved and why we have a strong focus on research.
“While people are affected differently, there are common areas where they need support and advice and we very much welcome the AGSD UK’s first visit to our clinic.”
The charity will also join a second patient information day on 4 March.

23/02/2026

A huge thank you to our research star of the month at Bury, Jean Ellis. Jean works in the pathology lab at Fairfield and is consistently helpful and positive in her support to our research delivery team, helping to arrange timely access when needed and liaising with couriers over research samples. None of this is required as part of her role, yet she does it willingly to help. Her support makes a real difference to our day-to-day work, and she is consistently friendly and helpful when the team see her in the path lab. Thank you Jean!

20/02/2026

Best of luck to our wonderful oncology research nurse Kandeel Batool, who is planning to climb Mount Snowdon to raise funds for the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre.
The challenge will combine her passions for health, research and community service – although she will also have to overcome a fear of heights!
Kandeel says: “I want to challenge myself and overcome these fears. More importantly, I want to dedicate this climb to brain tumour patients - the very people we conduct our research for - which makes supporting the Geoffrey Jefferson Centre feel especially meaningful.”
Kandeel will climb Wales’ highest peak in May and would be hugely grateful for any donations to help the work of the Jeff. This is her JustGiving page. https://www.justgiving.com/page/kandeel-batool-1

19/02/2026

One of our 'behind the scenes' heroes is our research star of the month at Salford. Beverley Greenhalgh was incredibly helpful in providing support for the recent external Human Tissue Authority inspection. She systematically worked through the regulatory requirements, prepared tracking sheets, collated critical documents, and joined pre-meetings with the inspector in advance of the visit. This allowed others to focus on the numerous other tasks that needed doing in their own areas. She was polite, calm and helpful at all stages of the process. When the pressure's on, you really need a Bev!

16/02/2026

We're hugely looking forward to this new Channel 5 series, which will feature Professor Omar Pathmanaban, brain surgeon at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and strategic lead at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre. Make sure you tune in each Wednesday!