Health Research Southampton

08/03/2026

06/03/2026

Taking research into the heart of our communities 💙

This approach can help to break down barriers, tackle health inequalities and ensure discoveries benefit everyone.

Caroline Tiza at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust shares insights from a recent community workshop in St Denys 👇
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/taking-research-into-the-community

05/03/2026

Upcoming webinar 🌟

Join the Wessex Women & Girls Research & Innovation Network for a session on the evidence, lived experience and multidisciplinary care of endometriosis.

🗓️ Wednesday 25 March
🕛 12-1pm
💻 Online

Find out more and register 👇

Chaired by Jodie Hughes, Doctoral Researcher, Patient Advocate and Endometriosis South Coast Founder, this session will explore: The clinical pre

04/03/2026

🎉 A breath-taking achievement!

A wearable sensor developed by researchers at UHS, the University of Southampton and Nottingham Trent University has won the Healthcare and Medical Award at The Engineer UK's Collaborate to Innovate Awards 🏅

The PneunoRator can be worn on a person’s chest like a sticker. It continuously monitors their breathing rate.

The technology, which is currently being trialled at our hospital, has the potential to provide a life-saving early warning system.

UHS consultant anaesthetist Dr Harry Akerman (right) received the prize with Professor Neil White (centre) and Dr Yang Wei (left) in London.

Congratulations to the team for this fantastic achievement, which is driving forward innovation that could transform patient monitoring and save lives 👏

Read more: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/breathing-rate-sensor-sticker-wins-collaboration-award

02/03/2026

Over 500 patients recruited to the BRITISH study 👏

🫀 This world-first trial aims to improve treatment for people like Ashley with heart failure.

It's being led by Dr Andrew Flett and Professor Nick Curzen at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and coordinated by Southampton Clinical Trials Unit 👇
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/major-milestone-for-heart-failure-trial

27/02/2026

Could a tampon help improve early diagnosis of ovarian cancer?

The VIOLET trial, led by Dr Jemma Longley at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, aims to find the answer.

She’s working with colleagues at Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and the University of Southampton's Centre for Cancer Immunology 👇
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/tampon-trial-to-help-improve-early-diagnosis-of-ovarian-cancer

26/02/2026

Did you see Atlanta and Amelia on BBC Breakfast this morning? 👩‍👧 📺

They're helping promote a UK-first study to reduce children’s overuse of reliever inhalers.

Children with asthma who use a high number of blue reliever inhalers are several times more likely to have severe asthma attacks.

The PARC study, led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is offering these children an enhanced check-up.

📺 Watch back here at 9.26am: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002rvj4/breakfast-26022026

🗞️ Or, if the link has expired, read more from BBC News here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77e65d38x3o

25/02/2026

Helping prevent severe asthma attacks 🫁

Researchers at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Southampton are leading a UK-first study.

This is seeing if an extra check-up can help prevent severe asthma attacks in children who are overusing blue reliever inhalers.

The PARC study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Reliever inhalers do not treat the underlying airway inflammation that causes asthma symptoms. Children who are using high numbers of blue reliever inhalers are more likely to have severe asthma attacks.

Atlanta and her daughter Amelia are taking part in the study, and say it’s made a big difference.

“Now, thanks to the advice and support we’ve received by taking part, Amelia doesn’t use her blue inhaler anymore,” says Atlanta.

“Instead, she takes her powdered combination inhaler three times a day, and that keeps her symptoms under control.”

Watch BBC South Today and ITV Meridian to learn more 📺
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/dangerous-overuse-of-childrens-asthma-inhalers-targeted-in-uk-first-study

25/02/2026

UHS researchers are leading a large study to reduce children’s overuse of reliever inhalers linked to severe asthma attacks.

Children with asthma who use a high number of blue reliever inhalers are several times more likely to have severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening.

The Prescription Alerts for Reliever Inhalers in Children (PARC) is offering these children an enhanced check-up, led by a specialist nurse.

The research is assessing if this extra check-up reduces the number of asthma or wheeze attacks these children have. It is the first time this issue has been formally studied.

The PARC study is led by Dr Anna Selby, a Paediatric Registrar at UHS and NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Southampton.

She said: “This study is the first of its kind to test whether a simple, proactive check-up can prevent severe asthma attacks in children and young people. Our hope is that by identifying children at higher risk sooner, and giving families extra support and education, we can reduce emergency admissions and transform how asthma care is delivered across the UK.”



🔗 Find out more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/dangerous-overuse-of-childrens-asthma-inhalers-targeted-in-uk-first-study

23/02/2026

20/02/2026

Improving care for breast cancer 🏥

A new study will investigate whether insulin levels influence how women respond to treatment.

Jointly led by Prof Ramsey Cutress at University of Southampton, it is now open for patients to take part at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust 👇
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/breast-cancer-trial-to-investigate-how-insulin-affects-treatment-response

18/02/2026

University Hospital Southampton are inviting pregnant women/birthing people to participate in the BEATRIX study evaluating a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccine in pregnancy.

GBS is a common type of bacteria carried by 1 in 5 pregnant women/birthing people. GBS can cause complications during pregnancy and serious illness in babies. This maternal vaccine study could help protect babies around the world from GBS.

This study is enrolling healthy, pregnant women/birthing people who are expecting a single healthy baby.

If you join the study, you will receive 1 dose of the study vaccine or a placebo when you are between 24 and 36 weeks pregnancy. A placebo looks like the study vaccine but has no active ingredients.

If you decide to take part:
🔹 Your health and the health of your baby will be closely monitored during the study
🔹 Study visits will occur throughout pregnancy and up to one year after delivery
🔹 Some of these visits may occur by phone or at your home
🔹 There is no cost to be in this study and you will be compensated for your time and travel

To find out more, please contact the Reproductive Health Research Team on 02381206856 or email reprohealthresearcht@uhs.nhs.uk.