“We want to deliver our own impactful research in the future” – Winner for Outstanding Contribution to Research Delivery unveiled

John Rice, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and Physiotherapy Research Lead at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, has won the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research Delivery at the Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru. John was presented with his trophy by Carys Thomas, Head of Policy at Health and Care Research Wales at a lunch ceremony in Cardiff.

The Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru recognises and celebrates the important and innovative work of healthcare scientists and allied health professionals across Wales.

John has undertaken a new Research Physiotherapist role in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, embedding an innovative, positive research culture amongst the workforce and leading the Health Board’s physiotherapy research portfolio.

John said: “We want to have research embedded in our practice, to be expert users of research to help us deliver better care to our patients, to support portfolio delivery and to deliver our own impactful research in the future.

“We are creating a culture where all physio staff have the opportunity to take part in research delivery, with training and support available.

“We are building links and effective working relationships throughout the multidisciplinary team, with other trusts, academia, industry and public sector research organisations.”

John has brought in five research portfolio studies, facilitated 10 staff members to be actively involved in clinical research and has supported his colleagues through Good Clinical Practice training.

John has engaged widely across allied health professional networks and with colleagues from multidisciplinary teams in the health board and across Wales. He has worked in close collaboration with nursing colleagues in the R&D team and further afield with research physiotherapists in Birmingham, London and Keele.

“Winning the award will help us raise the profile of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board research and achieve our goal of building and improving our research culture.”

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, sat on the judging panel for this award. She said:

“The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research Delivery recognises individuals who use exceptional collaboration to deliver research that improves the lives of people in Wales.

“John has done so with passion, enthusiasm and we were really impressed by the way he is taking a whole system approach – increasing research awareness and evidence-based practice and supporting people to lead research studies. He has led by example in his commitment to delivering change. His work is directly impacting patient care, with research that will influence changes to patient pathways.”

The winners of the Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru were announced at a ceremony on 18 November. The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research Delivery was sponsored by Health and Care Research Wales.

Find out more about the other Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru 2022 winners