Patients will benefit from a new scheme by Anglia Ruskin University to create a community of nurses involved in high-quality research and innovation.

The Anglia Ruskin Nursing Research Unit (ARNRU) brings together Anglia Ruskin with NHS partner trusts across Essex and Cambridgeshire to encourage nurses to take part in research which will change the lives of their patients.

Anglia Ruskin University is the largest provider of nursing education in the East of England and students undergo placements with health providers across the region.

The ARNRU will allow student, practice or research nurses to draw on the expertise of university researchers when undertaking new projects.

Dr Leslie Gelling, Reader in Research Ethics at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Nursing is at the heart of health care and nursing research is essential to the continued development of high quality nursing care. “The Anglia Ruskin Nursing Research Unit provides an opportunity for researchers at Anglia Ruskin University to work closely with NHS and other partners to undertake ground-breaking and collaborative research where the aim is ultimately to benefit patients.”

Trusts involved with the ARNRU are Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

If you would like to get involved with the ARNRU, please contact Dr Gelling at leslie.gelling@anglia.ac.uk