Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has emerged as England’s leading NHS organisation for dementia clinical trial recruitment, according to newly released data from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The Trust recruited more than 3,000 patients into dementia research studies over the past year, outperforming the next highest-ranking trust by nearly 2,000 participants. The achievement strengthens its position as a national leader in mental health research and innovation.
Clinical trials remain critical in advancing treatment options and improving outcomes for people living with dementia. With around one million people currently diagnosed in the UK—and the condition recognised as the country’s leading cause of death—the need for research has never been greater. Current estimates suggest that one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia during their lifetime.
The Trust’s performance is not only notable within dementia research. It also ranked third nationally across all mental health trials, underlining its broader contribution to clinical research across the NHS.
The high recruitment figures reflect sustained collaboration between research teams, clinicians, and patients. Participation in trials provides individuals with the opportunity to contribute to medical progress while potentially accessing cutting-edge treatments.
Consultant Psychiatrist Josie Jenkinson highlighted the significance of this milestone:
"Being the top recruiting trust for dementia studies nationally is a great achievement. This result reflects years of dedication from our Research and Development team, clinical colleagues, and most importantly the people with dementia and their carers who give their time to participate. We are enormously proud of what this team has built.
“By taking part in trials, participants not only contribute to improvements and potential breakthroughs in healthcare, but may get access to new treatments and diagnostic techniques not yet freely available.”
The Trust is supporting several high-profile studies, contributing to a growing body of evidence in dementia care and treatment:
- Trontier trial: A large international study evaluating trontinemab, a next-generation Alzheimer’s treatment designed to more effectively target and remove amyloid plaques in the brain. Early findings suggest promising outcomes, with potential for improved effectiveness and fewer side effects in early-stage patients.
- Trailblazer-V study: This research is assessing donanemab (Kisunla), among the first therapies shown to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease. The trial aims to better understand patient suitability and how the treatment could be integrated into routine care pathways.
- ADAGIO study: Focused on addressing agitation and distress associated with Alzheimer’s disease, this study aims to improve quality of life for both patients and carers—an area of growing importance in holistic dementia care.
For NHS managers and healthcare professionals, the Trust’s success offers valuable insights into scaling research participation:
- Strong research infrastructure enables sustained patient recruitment
- Integrated clinical and research teams enhance engagement
- Patient and carer involvement remains central to success
With dementia prevalence expected to rise alongside an ageing population, research leadership of this kind will be vital in shaping future care pathways, improving patient outcomes, and managing system-wide pressures.
Image credit: iStock
