CHESTER MP Christine Russell visited the Countess of Chester Hospital to show her support for the trust’s research and auditing projects.

The Countess hosted a full day of presentations to highlight the continual research and clinical audit work the trust does to improve healthcare.

The day consisted of presentations by clinical members of staff whose projects have led to a number of developments.

Among the speakers where Dr Colm O’Mahony with A triumph of technology over tradition, Dr Niru Goenka with Improving preconception care of women with diabetes and Claudia Harding-Mackean with a presentation on breast cancer research.

Chairwoman and head of research and clinical audit at the Countess, Mary Fisher Morris, said: “In the last quarter of 2007 the trust was one of the highest patient recruiters to trials in the North West and currently has over 1,600 patients on trials.

“By utilising the support of the Local Clinical Research Networks, we have benefited from funded research nurses for Stroke and Medicines for Children.”

The trust’s commitment to research is illustrated by the 47 trials currently ongoing in the area of cancer, including breast, bowel, bladder, prostate and lung. Medicines for Children also has five trials now recruiting in Chester.

Mary continued: “We currently have a 67-portfolio multicentre with research studies under way. In addition, stroke research has flourished with thrombolysis now taking place and many patients recruited to trials.

“Hospital stay for stroke patients has decreased considerably with patients moving on to rehabilitation much quicker.”

The trust takes part in Health Care Commission national audits with 23 last year, as well as local, clinical audits of which there were 187 last year covering all disciplines and diseases.