Passion for bronchiectasis research at Greater Manchester study day

Over 60 stakeholders attended a virtual study day organised as part of Greater Manchester’s strategy to further research into the uncommon lung condition bronchiectasis.

Attendees commented on the “passion” and “range of experience” among the speakers following the online event hosted by NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester.

The afternoon was chaired by Dr Abdul Ashish, CRN Greater Manchester’s Respiratory Specialty Lead who formed the Greater Manchester Bronchiectasis Group in 2020.

The study day had representatives from local NHS trusts including Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.

There were also representatives from Edge Hill University, Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF). 

Professionals who attended the event included respiratory consultants, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, PhD researchers, research nurses, operational and research managers, advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) and advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs).

All have an interest in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and in enhancing patient care and research opportunities in this field across Greater Manchester.

Attendees heard about the national context and priorities for bronchiectasis, the microbiology and history of the disease and physiotherapy and chest clearance techniques.

There was also a focus on antimicrobial treatment, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, aspergillus, and Public and Patient Involvement (PPIE).

Delegates commented that the study day was a “great way to help bring together primary and secondary care” and it covered a “good breadth of issues” relevant to the condition.

The event was the first of this kind led by Greater Manchester Bronchiectasis Group and there are plans to hold similar events in the future.