Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust achieves highest PRES returns in the South West

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is proud to announce that it received the highest number of responses in the South West for the Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) during 2024/25, with an impressive 279 returns. This achievement reflects our commitment to listening to research participants and continuously improving the experience of those who take part in health and care studies. 

The PRES is a national survey conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It gathers anonymous feedback from people who have participated in research studies, helping researchers understand what works well and identify areas for improvement. The insights gained are used to make research more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful. 

Feedback from RCHT participants was overwhelmingly positive. Respondents praised nurses and research teams for being friendly, approachable, and highly professional. They also valued clear explanations of research processes, regular updates, and opportunities to ask questions. Many expressed feeling respected and cared for, with staff going above and beyond to provide reassurance and comfort. Flexible appointments, 24-hour helplines, and prompt responses to queries were very much appreciated. Several participants described the experience as life-changing, noting that their involvement felt meaningful and beneficial for future patients. One participant summed it up “It’s been perfect. Exceptional staff. Absolutely fantastic experience.” 

By collecting feedback through PRES, RCHT and NIHR can identify what works well and where improvements are needed. This helps shape the design and delivery of future research studies, ensuring they are accessible, inclusive, and focused on participant well-being. 

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey and in research studies. Your voice is helping us make research better for everyone.