A GP and a GP practice have been recognised for their contributions to research and innovation.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) and the Royal College of GPs say the Practice Award and the First5® Award acknowledges the “excellent” contributions of NHS clinicians to research and recognises GPs with an emerging interest or experience in delivering primary care research.

Shifa Surgery was presented with the practice award for its support and increased research activity in the Blackburn North Primary Care Network (PCN), tackling health inequalities. Its work has enabled significant recruitment to PANORAMIC and the social prescribing inequality studies in the area, while the surgery has also been the highest recruiter for the PRINCIPLE study, which investigates COVID-19 treatments for recovery at home. The surgery’s targeted recruitment has led to its research staff speaking eight languages. This enables staff to explain research in the patient’s first language which increases patient confidence and understanding.

An award which celebrates GPs with an emerging interest or experience in delivering NIHR CRN research within a primary care setting was presented to Dr Serge Engamba, a GP partner, clinical research lead and primary care deputy specialty lead. He was commended for his commitment to building research capacity in the Norwich PCN and encouraging public participation in research. Dr Engamba has ensured each of the 21 OneNorwich GP practices has been able to offer research opportunities to their patients and all practices in the PCN recruited for the PANORAMIC study for the first time.

The collaboration between the practices also enabled them to join the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 study, which is sent to every patient at each surgery by text. This has led to the OneNorwich GP network being the fifth highest recruiting GP site in the UK for the study. Dr Engamba’s site was also one of the highest hub site recruiters in the UK for the PANORAMIC trial. Participants had access to translated resources and Dr Engamba enabled participation of those in care homes.

Professor Phil Evans, deputy medical director for the NIHR CRN, said: “This innovation and delivery, against the background of all the challenges of undertaking research in a pandemic, has been a substantial achievement. We congratulate the winners, but also all the applicants, for their contributions to primary care research in the CRN.”

Dr Nicholas Thomas, clinical lead for research for the RCGP, added: “The RCGP works closely with the NIHR CRN to celebrate and recognise research achievement. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the engagement and activity of our members. Congratulations to both the winners and applicants”.