Manager receives funding

A NORTH Shields care home will take part in cutting edge research after receiving a NIHR Greenshoots Award.

Clare Leonard, manager at Appleby Care Home, becomes the first manager to win the award, which is part of the Greenshoots Principal Investigator Scheme.

She said: “I’m very excited to work with members of the Appleby team on a wide range of research projects.

“The extra funding will see an increase in clinical training our colleagues and will put Appleby on the map for its leading research projects.

“We are particularly keen to recruit nurses and develop their skills and knowledge.”

The scheme provides two years’ worth of funding to help applicants achieve their dream of becoming a principal investigator. Up to £9,000 is available for applicants to run research projects over the course of two years.

Clare Leonard

part in innovative trials including the installation of air filtration systems in care homes, helping to shape future developments in infection control.

As a result of her Greenshoots accolade, Clare also has been shortlisted for an industry award, reaching the finals of The Leaders in Care Awards 2022.

residents is just wonderful to see and supports studies that consistently show the benefits of interacting with pets in care homes. Not only do they support good health and welfare, they just brighten the day for everyone.”

The funding will enable more training for nurses and provide extra support for new innovations. Following the award, the home can now fund team members to take

NIHR Clinical Research Network Northeast and North Cumbria runs the scheme, which is open to all care professionals who work within the region.

On completion of the two-year programme, successful applicants will receive a certificate confirming their Greenshoots training completion.