Transforming lives through research

SDHC is a research‑active organisation. 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.

At SDHC, we looking to deliver high‑quality research across a wide range of clinical areas. Our teams can support studies from initial feasibility through to patient recruitment, data collection, and study completion. We work closely with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Commercial Research Delivery Centre (Sussex),  local universities, and industry partners to ensure that research opportunities are accessible to our population and that our work contributes to national evidence and innovation.

Our clinicians and practice teams receive ongoing research training, enabling them to confidently deliver studies while maintaining the highest standards of safety, confidentiality, and ethical practice. We participate in observational studies, interventional trials, digital health evaluations, and service‑improvement research - each selected because of its potential to benefit our patients and community.

By embedding research within routine care, we offer patients early access to emerging treatments and diagnostic tools while helping shape the future of healthcare. Many of our practices have built strong research cultures, where staff and patients alike recognise the value of contributing to evidence that can improve outcomes locally and nationally.

We are excited to be joining the MEDAL Study - (MEDications in Acute Low back pain) is a large UK‑based clinical trial designed to identify the most effective and safest way to manage acute low back pain, with or without leg pain or sciatica, using structured analgesic ladders. It is being led by the University of Birmingham and conducted across multiple GP practices in primary care. On‑boarding for the MEDAL study is progressing well. However, commencement of the study is now anticipated to be from June 2026. Further updates will be shared as timelines are confirmed.

In the meantime, we are delighted to be working with Civia‑Health on a Phase III commercial research study - VESPER 5. As part of this collaboration, SDHC will be acting as a Patient Identification Centre, linking in with a number of local Practices. The study is a Phase III clinical trial in adults with Type 2 diabetes and obesity, evaluating an investigational ultra‑long‑acting GLP‑1 receptor agonist for weight management. The study is already open in the UK and internationally, with recruitment currently underway, including at sites in Brighton.