Four clinicians at University Hospitals Sussex (UHSussex) have started doctoral research projects aimed at improving cancer diagnosis, ovarian cancer treatment, newborn care and the treatment of serious infections. The trust announced the projects on 10 November. The fellows began their work in late September 2026.
The two-year MD and three-year PhD fellowships are funded by My Charity, the dedicated charity for UHSussex.
Bowel cancer: a stool test to speed up diagnosis
Rosie Hesling, Colorectal Nurse Consultant and Clinical Lead for the Colorectal Faster Diagnosis Service, is working with the University of Surrey. Her project asks whether a simple stool test, combined with a patient’s symptoms and medical history, can identify who most urgently needs further investigation. The aim is to speed up diagnosis for those at greatest risk and to reduce unnecessary tests for others.
Ovarian cancer: testing combinations of treatments
Dr Bonnie Gammer, a Medical Oncology Registrar, is doing laboratory research at the University of Brighton. Using cancer cells donated by patients, she is testing whether combining existing medicines with newer treatments could work better and cause fewer side effects. The trust says the findings could help identify promising treatments for future clinical trials.
Newborn babies: breathing support with the cord attached
Dr Pratyush Saha, a Clinical Research Fellow and Neonatal Registrar, is investigating whether babies who need help breathing straight after birth can be supported while the umbilical cord is still connected. He is also looking at whether this can be introduced safely into routine care, and is working with parents and healthcare professionals.
Serious infections: antibiotics outside hospital
Dr Daisy Woolham, an Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology Specialist Registrar, is working with researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. She is examining how people who inject drugs and develop serious infections could safely receive antibiotics outside hospital. The aim is to help them complete treatment, reduce readmissions and improve their long-term health.
Why the trust is backing research
Dr Luke Hodgson, an Intensive Care and Respiratory Consultant and Deputy Director of Research at UHSussex, said clinicians are well placed to spot where care could improve because they see its challenges first hand. He said building their research skills creates the knowledge needed for better care now and in the future.
The trust links the work to its Excellent Care Everywhere strategy and says patients and the public will help shape the studies, which are at an early stage. It says the findings could inform future treatments and service improvements. It also says research-active hospitals tend to have better outcomes for patients, and that staff who take part in research are more satisfied in their jobs and more likely to stay in the NHS.
Anyone who wants to take part in health research can find out more through NIHR Be Part of Research.
Related story: Sussex Hospitals Corridor Care: 68 A&E Cases a Day in September.
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