THE number of research studies taking place in Oxfordshire's NHS is the second highest of all trusts in England.

According to the latest figures, studies at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust jumped from 463 in 2015/16 to 505 in 2016/17, while at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust they rose from 48 in 2015/16 to 60 in 2016/17.

Some £125m is currently being invested in ground-breaking research at the county's two biomedical research centres, which see Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities partner with the local NHS funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Professor Keith Channon, director of the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre at OUH, said: "I am delighted at the increase in research that has taken place. It’s pleasing to see how research is embedded in the daily work of our hospitals and delivering tangible benefits to patients.

"We are committed to continuing our work with the public, GPs and other NHS trusts across the Thames Valley to carry out this ground-breaking research."