Research portfolio
Published on 29 November 2023
Development of research portfolio
NHS Scotland Assure is adding to the knowledge base available to built environment projects. Building on this existing knowledge will reduce risks, increase quality and promote the sharing of research with key stakeholders. Working with external stakeholders and other Assure services will ensure information and evidence-based guidance is available to those who need it.
This service identifies key topics relating to reduction of risk in the built environment by engaging with stakeholders, other NHS Scotland Assure services and using lessons learned.
The service prioritises research themes and needs in line with the service strategy and identifies opportunities for research and sharing findings.
Commissioning Partnership with Edinburgh Napier University
NHS Scotland Assure appointed Edinburgh Napier University in April 2022 to oversee and manage a fund in excess of £1,000,000 focused on developing international best practice in the built environment for healthcare. The fund is open and scheduled to run until March 2024.
This research partnership aims to provide opportunities to explore development of a consortium of different disciplines that deliver research in line with the identified needs of NHS Scotland Assure. The service will share best practice case studies in standards and models for the built environment.
Further information on the fund including how to apply, future closing dates and events and relevant contact details can be found on the Edinburgh Napier website.
Completed Projects
- CoEResearch-0001: Investigate the prevalence and concentration of Cupriavidus and other Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens (OPPPs) in healthcare water systems across Scotland and England.
Chief Investigator: Dr Teresa Inkster, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Read the report
Read our research Q&A with Dr Teresa Inkster, which talks about why the research is needed, what it set out to achieve, what impact it will have on existing guidance and more. You can also find an interview with the Chief Investigator here.
- CoEResearch-0002: Hospital sinks and drains as a source of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms: studies to investigate colonisation, dispersal and decontamination.
Chief Investigator: Dr Ginny Moore, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Read the report
Read our research Q&A with Dr Ginny Moore, which talks about why the research is needed, what it set out to achieve, what impact it will have on existing guidance and more.
- AssureResearch21-0001 Far UVC light for reducing airborne transmission of bacteria and viruses.
Chief Investigator: Dr Kenneth Wood, St Andrew’s University.
Read the report
Supporting Institutions: University of Leeds, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside & Columbia University.
- AssureResearch21-0002 Efficacy of hand hygiene wipes active against spore forming bacteria and the use of wipes as a substitute for soap and water for performing hand hygiene in healthcare settings.
Chief Investigator: Dr Teresa Inkster, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Research currently underway
- CoEResearch003: Whole genome sequencing of potable water derived Cupriavidus species.
Chief Investigator: Professor Alistair Leanord, Scottish Microbiology. Reference Laboratory, Glasgow.
- AssureResearch21-0003: Development of laboratory methodology to identify opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens other than Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from hospital water systems.
Chief Investigator: Dr Teresa Inkster, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Get in touch
Contact us to find out more about how our research portfolios can help your project.