New plans launched for research and innovation
21 July 2025
Hywel Dda University Health Board has launched an ambitious new strategy to drive forward the development of innovative medicines and treatments aimed at transforming the health and wellbeing of communities across the region.
The health board’s vision is to deliver high-quality research and innovation that improves services and health outcomes for our patients and staff. The Research and Innovation Strategic Plan outlines the approach the health board will take over the next five years to achieve this vision.
Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, Professor Leighton Phillips said: “Over the past four years, we have made significant progress, raising the profile of research and innovation across the health board and with our partners.
“We now have designated research facilities at health board sites in each county and more clinical researchers than ever before. We have well-established partnerships with universities and industry, and new innovation and evaluation capabilities through our TriTech Institute.
“However, now is the time to build on these achievements and make the most of a favourable research and innovation policy by governments and funding opportunities in both Wales and the UK.”
By implementing this strategy, Professor Phillips and his team will aim to give patients access to research and innovation in key areas such as cancer care, respiratory disease, women’s health, metabolic disease, primary care, digital health, and the social factors of health and well-being.
A major part of the strategy includes developing an infrastructure to support commercial trials.
Professor Keir Lewis is consultant and clinical lead for respiratory medicine at Prince Philip Hospital. He is also a clinical academic which means that he gets some time away from his clinical duties to do research.
He is particularly keen to get local people involved in commercial clinical trials as this gives them access to innovative new medicines.
“These commercial trials are often global studies funded by pharmaceutical companies. We enrol local patients into these trials - such as for inhalers or inhaled antibiotics - and if successful, the treatments can become standard care within five to 10 years.”
“By taking part in clinical trials, we’re improving patient access to cutting-edge treatments,” said Professor Lewis.
One such patient is Jim Carroll, 64, originally from Brynaman and now living in Swansea. Jim, who has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease), met Professor Lewis while being treated at Prince Philip Hospital and has since participated in several clinical trials.
“I’ve been involved in research on inhalers, and the one I use now came from a trial I took part in,” said Jim. “It’s made a big difference - I can now pick up my granddaughters from school and be active in their lives.”
Participation in commercial trials not only benefits patients but also brings income to the region and supports staff development.
Organisations who actively engage in research have been shown to attract top talent and also retain staff by fostering higher levels of job satisfaction.
Professor Phillips said: “We recognise that NHS organisations with strong research and innovation activities benefit not only patients but also the regional, Welsh, and UK economies by driving new innovations, job creation, and economic growth.
“We realise that achieving progress in these areas requires collaboration, so we will strengthen our partnerships with universities, public bodies, community organisations, and industry.”
For further information on Hywel Dda’s Research and Innovation Strategic Plans: Publications - Hywel Dda University Health Board
ENDS