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CTM UHB R&D Conference 2024 poster and presentation winners

John Green introducing the Conference

On 26th November 2024, CTM UHB hosted its 14th annual Research and Development (R&D) Conference.

The conference is an annual celebration of high quality and collaborative research being undertaken across the Health Board; by our staff, together with partners from across the NHS, Welsh Government, industry, and academia, and demonstrates the critical role of research in developing, managing and delivering healthcare.

On the day, the top three winners for oral and poster presentations were chosen by a team of judges.

The winners of the oral presentations were:

  • 1st place – Sarah Parry for “Exploring barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding infants among Gypsies and Travellers in Wales”

Sarah Parry, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN)/Health Visitor said:

“I felt I needed to share the narrative of the women who had participated in the research, and begin the process of working together to increase rates of breastfeeding in the community. The conference offered a respectful, encouraging environment and provided an opportunity to network with people from various disciplines such as academia, research, medicine and nursing. I was surprised and delighted to be awarded the best presentation, and I am very grateful to all those who helped me along the research journey.”

  • 2nd place – Dr Neil Hawkes for “Evaluating outcomes in patients with acid related upper GI symptoms and implications for the set-up of a local capsule sponge investigation pathway”

Dr Neil Hawkes, Consultant Gastroenterologist said: “The conference provides a great forum to share your work, appreciate the broad range of work being done across our health board, and to have the opportunity to talk to academic partners and national organisations who can help to develop your research ideas. It was a privilege to present our work and a nice surprise and reward for our team, who spent hours collating all the data, to be selected by the judges for one of the prizes. Thanks to our excellent R&D team for co-ordinating an excellent and valuable day of learning.”

  • 3rd place - Ffion Hughes and Erin Roberts for “A retrospective review of incidences of delirium in CTM UHB critical care patients”

Ffion Hughes, Assistant Psychologist in Critical Care said: “I was thrilled to present our research on Delirium in ITU alongside Erin. The energy in the room was incredible, with so many passionate people showcasing how vital research is to clinical work. I feel very proud that our work earned third place, inspiring me to stay involved in research and keep building on the skills I’ve developed through this experience. Thank you to the R&D team and Professor Green.”

Erin Roberts, Trainee Clinical Psychologist said: “The R&D conference this year was absolutely brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel as though the conference has nurtured a commitment in me to continue incorporating research with my clinical practice, and to continue contributing to the evidence base. I’d love to present again. Thank you so much for having us!”

The winners of the poster presentations were:

  • 1st place – Jane Lewis for “A qualitative, service evaluation exploring user experiences of Diabetes Prevention Programmes in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board”

Jane Lewis, Reader in Podiatric & Circulatory Medicine; Cardiff Metropolitan University said: “We really enjoyed the CTM R&D conference. It was a great opportunity to network and share our work with practitioners and researchers. We were quite surprised when we were called for the poster award – it was a total surprise! We are very grateful to the CTM UHB R&D team and staff for supporting our research and to the patients for taking part.”

  • 2nd place – Sarah Richards for “Establishing an Upper GI Dietetic Service in Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB”

Sarah Richards, Macmillan UGI Specialist Dietitian said: “It was a privilege to have my poster accepted for the R&D conference. The day was fantastic. The conference embraced a wide range of engaging clinical areas and the promotion stands were very informative. I was so happy to have won second place for my poster. Thank you to the R&D team!”

  • 3rd place – Jessica Williams for “PREDICT-EV: Are Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles Increasing Risk of Stroke?”

Jessica Williams – Research Fellow, Cardiff Metropolitan University said:  The CTM UHB is a brilliant showcase of the range of research carried out across the health board. Its broad nature means there is something for everyone, and it always peaks my interest in those things that are outside of my normal day job. It is an honour to be selected as a prize winner from the high calibre of research presented on the day.

Professor John Geen, R&D Assistant Director, CTM UHB said: “The CTM UHB R&D Conference 2024 was a fantastic platform to showcase, highlight and celebrate the incredible range of research being undertaken by CTM UHB staff and our research partners. I’d like to thank all of our researchers and presenters and send a huge congratulations to our six poster and presentation winners.”

CTM UHB R&D Team

If you wish to find out more about any of these research projects, or to speak with a member of CTM UHB’s R&D team, you can contact the team on:

Tel: 01443 443421
Email: CwmTaf.R&D@wales.nhs.uk
CTM UHB’s R&D Team is on X: @CTMUHB_RD

05/02/2025