Seven new research projects have been awarded grant funding through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

The funding was made possible thanks to a generous legacy gift left by a supporter, helping to launch the Charity’s first Research Grant Programme in partnership with ESNEFT’s Research Department earlier this year.

Colleagues across the Trust could apply for funding for research projects which aimed at improving patient care across the NHS and included looking into areas of health inequalities. After a rigorous review process seven of the ideas submitted have been awarded grant funding through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

The successful projects cover a diverse range of topics, including:

• Investigating how musical theatre can improve facial movement for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
• Exploring the impact of robotic surgery on recovery and outcomes for vascular patients.
• Examining how enhanced support for military families during the perinatal period can improve wellbeing.
• Several other pioneering studies aimed at delivering real benefits to patients

The charity will be sharing updates as these projects progress. The Charity will continue to share updates as these exciting projects progress. Building on the success and enthusiasm of this first programme, a new Research Grant Programme is already being planned for 2026.

"We are thrilled by both the volume and quality of applications we received. It's a clear sign of the passion and ambition for home-grown research here at ESNEFT."

-Frances Farnworth, assistant director of Research and Development

"This remarkable programme has only been made possible thanks to the generosity of those who support Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. This generosity is now inspiring fresh ideas and enabling vital research that will make a difference to patients and their families for years to come. It is a wonderful reminder of the lasting legacy a gift can have."

-Mandy Jordan, associate director of charity at ESNEFT