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Advancing Clinical Research in Primary Care
A Trusted Partner for Sponsors
Every year, hundreds of research studies across England shape the future of patient care. At South Downs Health and Care (SDHC), we are proud to be at the forefront of this work—delivering high-quality, commercially viable research that drives meaningful outcomes for patients, partners, and sponsors alike.
We are a forward-thinking, research-active organisation with the ability to deliver studies efficiently, at scale, and to the highest standards. Our dedicated research team, supported by robust operational and administrative infrastructure, ensures that every study is delivered seamlessly from feasibility through to completion.
A Proven, Expertise-Led Research Team
Our experienced leadership team brings together clinical, operational, and governance expertise to ensure excellence at every stage of study delivery:
- Dr Miriam Malak – Research Clinical Lead
- Fiona Collins – Research Operational Lead
- Katie Collett – Research Operational Manager
- Angela Paice – Research Project Lead
- David Rouncivell – Research Information Governance Manager
Together, we combine deep clinical knowledge with operational precision, enabling us to deliver across a wide range of therapeutic areas and study phases.
Scale, Reach and Delivery Capability
SDHC Research operates as a centralised research function across 25 GP practices in East Sussex, giving sponsors access to a large, diverse, and well-characterised patient population.
- Central delivery hub: Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing Hub, Eastbourne
- Strong patient identification pathways via primary care
- Experienced GPs and GP Registrars embedded within research delivery
- Dedicated clinical and administrative support teams
This model allows us to rapidly identify, recruit, and retain participants, while maintaining strong links with routine patient care.
Sponsor-Focused, Patient-Centred
We understand the priorities of commercial sponsors and CROs—speed, quality, and reliability—and have built our model to deliver on all three.
At the same time, we remain firmly patient-focused:
- Patients are identified through trusted GP relationships
- Flexible appointments and local delivery minimise burden
- Clear communication and ongoing support maximise engagement and retention
- Participation is always voluntary, with no impact on standard care
This balance ensures high-quality data, excellent participant experience, and strong study performance.
Trusted, Collaborative and Well-Connected
SDHC has established strong partnerships across the research ecosystem, including:
- Commercial Research Delivery Centre (Sussex)
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
- Direct collaborations with commercial sponsors and CROs
- Local NHS Trust (East Sussex Healthcare Trust)
Our reputation for professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration is reflected in partner feedback
Feedback
“We found the team’s quality of work, conversations and proactiveness highly professional. The engagement and openness SDHC demonstrated, along with their ability to gain support from member practices so quickly, was genuinely impressive. We look forward to a long and productive working relationship.”
Amanda Lucas, Senior Director, Civia Health
Quality, Compliance and Innovation
We are committed to delivering research that meets the highest regulatory and ethical standards:
- All our clinicians, managers and research admin team members are Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trained
- Strong information governance and data protection frameworks
- Experience across multiple study phases and therapeutic areas
We also leverage modern technologies and digital tools to enhance data quality, streamline study delivery, and improve patient experience.
Why Partner with SDHC?
By partnering with SDHC, sponsors benefit from:
- Access to 25 GP Practices – who are SDHC’s members
- Rapid site activation and recruitment capability
- Experienced, sponsor-focused research team
- Ability to deliver high-quality data on time
- A collaborative, proactive approach to study delivery
Partner With Us
We are actively seeking to partner with sponsors and CROs to deliver commercial clinical trials across primary care settings.
If you are looking for a reliable, scalable, and high-performing research partner, SDHC offers the expertise, infrastructure, and patient-reach to ensure your study succeeds.