University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust is to host the new National Institute for Health and Care Research Regional Research Delivery Network.

The Department of Health and Social Care announced that this new network will begin in 2024 to back health and social care research in England.

After an open competition, the trust was victorious in its quest to serve as the network for the South West central area.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR said: "I’d like to congratulate UHBW and all the successful hosts for the future NIHR RDRN.

"I am looking forward to working with all the organisations across the new RDN to support the delivery of the best health and care research for the public."

She added:"The opportunity to be part of research is crucial for all communities, particularly those with major health and care needs."

UHBW Chief Medical Officer, Professor Stuart Walker said: "I am delighted that UHBW has been selected as the host for the NIHR RRDN South West Central.

"It is an endorsement of our ongoing commitment to improving NHS care through research that benefits patients."

The network, functioning as a unified body across England, will deliver high-quality research enabling optimal care for patients and the public.

It will support NHS and care services, and push forward the UK economy.