The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) is pleased to announce the third group of Knowledge Mobilisation Fellows. Based in Surrey, these Fellows are leaders dedicated to applying health and care research in real-world settings.
Supported by the University of Surrey and their host organisations, each Fellow will lead a practical project aimed at bridging the gap between research and frontline practice - ultimately improving services and outcomes for people across the region.
Delivered in collaboration with Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, the programme equips Fellows with the tools and support needed to turn evidence-based findings into everyday solutions.
The two Fellows are:
Nikola Blackman, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Consultant, Central Surrey Health, whose project will help reduce infections and harm from people receiving care in the community, by making catheter use safer by ensuring that they are checked regularly and removed when no longer needed.
Nikola said: "Through my work in infection prevention and control, I have seen how gaps in communication between hospital and community teams can lead to patients living with catheters that are no longer clinically needed. I’m really excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and improve outcomes for our patients"
Elaine Leung, Surgical Gynaecologist and Honorary Fellow at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and University of Surrey, whose project aims to develop an action plan in Surrey, that will help identify where delays happened in ovarian cancer care and put practical changes in place, so more women receive the right treatment sooner
Elaine said: “I’m delighted to receive this fellowship to help improve ovarian cancer care in Surrey. The National Ovarian Cancer Audit shows that many women who are diagnosed after an emergency admission never receive cancer treatment, which is linked to poorer survival. My project will pinpoint where delays happen and develop practical changes to make sure more women get the treatment they need, when they need it. I’ll also introduce better ways to track the long‑term impact of these improvements so we can continue raising standards of care.”
Dr Bernadette Egan, Senior Research Fellow, University of Surrey, said: "We are delighted to welcome Elaine and Nikola to the University of Surrey. The Knowledge Mobilisation fellowships provide a wonderful opportunity to foster further collaboration between the University and the healthcare system in Surrey. The aim of the fellowship programme is to enable the effective use of research to underpin evidence -based practice and effect service transformation. The fellowships align closely with Surrey's Vision 2041, namely delivering real-world impact through transformative research, working in partnership, for the benefit of communities."
Professor Roberto La Ragione, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to both Nikola and Elaine. Both Fellowships will help to improve the health of those in our local community and further afield, and I am proud that our expertise here at the University of Surrey can help them achieve this.”
“Fellowships such as these are vital to our health service as they help find scientific solutions to real-world problems. We need health professionals like Nikola and Elaine who work on the frontline to identify issues and work alongside our teams to achieve practical solutions. I look forward to meeting with both Fellows and learning more about their work.”
Lucie Hooper, Knowledge Mobilisation Co-Lead, NIHR ARC KSS and Research and Innovation Lead, Health Innovation KSS, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Elaine and Nikola to the knowledge mobilisation programme across the KSS region, completing our cohort of Knowledge Mobilisation Fellows in the region. Their projects have the potential to drive meaningful impact across Surrey, helping to close the gap in inequalities, enhance health and wellbeing and improve outcomes for many in our communities”.
More information about the Knowledge Mobilisation Fellowship Programme.
