Research and Innovation
At the Centre for Education & Research, our Research and Innovation team are dedicated to advancing knowledge and transforming the landscape of palliative and end of life care through rigorous research and service-evaluation.
Patient, family and community-led research
To ensure our Research and Innovation at the Hospice is truly focused on the needs of our patients, their families, and our community, we have established a Hospice User Group.
Palliative Care Research Conference
Located at the Hospice in Winsley on Thursday 4 June 2026, we’re delighted to be hosting our second collaborative Palliative Care Research Conference.
The Conference will bring together experts in the field to discuss the latest findings and innovations. Learn about the latest research, innovations and best practice in providing palliative care in both residential and community settings from leading researchers, practitioners and patients.
Hospice User Group (HUG)
The HUG welcomes all members of the Dorothy House community, including patients, families, carers, volunteers and supporters – anyone who knows about us and is interested in what we do!
You don’t need any particular skills or experience, just a willingness to share your thoughts and experiences. If you would be interested in learning more about this group, you can download our HUG flyer below.
Why research matters
Despite the nature of hospice care, and the multiple challenges that people who are using our services face, we know from published literature that participation in research is often really valued by our participants.
For example, it can provide direct health and well-being benefits to the research participant themselves, or provide them with a sense of purpose and reward by potentially benefiting others in the future. We are proud to offer research participation opportunities to people who access our services.
Research Studies, Capacity Building and Evaluations
We are currently running a number of research and evaluation projects focused on enhancing patient care, understanding the needs of our community, and improving end of life care.
Click the ‘explore’ button below to find out more about these projects and studies.
Education and Research Excellence in Hospice Care: Our Team
Our Research team is a dynamic group conducting interdisciplinary exploration, cutting-edge research, and meaningful collaborations.
Members of our Research team have current or previous substantive academic roles at the University of the West of England, Bristol and the University of Bath. Find out more about our team below.
Education and Research Excellence in Hospice Care
Professor Candy McCabe-Head of Education and Research
Candy joined Dorothy House in 2019 and is a clinical academic nurse, also working at the University of the West of England as a Professor of Clinical Research and Practice. She has previously delivered clinical care, established and run national clinical services, and led national and international research for people with long term conditions and complex pain. It is important to Candy that research topics are driven by patient identified need and the outcomes of that research directly improve care.
Dr Kate Sugar - Hospice Researcher
Kate is an experienced social science researcher with ten years research exposure within higher education having previously held Research Associate positions at the University of Bath and the University of Cambridge. Kate’s research interests include; behavioural operations management, social and community entrepreneurship, human and corporate engagement with social and environmental issues, cyber-security and technology. Kate is currently working with clinical and non-clinical staff and volunteers on service implementation, evaluation, and improvement at Dorothy House.
Claire Prendergast – Research Nurse
Prior to Dorothy House, Claire worked as a Senior cardiothoracic research nurse at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust. Passionate about evidence based practice she is responsible for research delivery, assessing NIHR portfolio studies, feasibility, set-up and recruitment. Claire is also the hospice research link nurse for the South West Clinical Research Network. Claire also supports the team with the education programme.
Charlotte Spence – Research Coordinator
Charlotte started at Dorothy House in May 2018, initially joining as an administrator within the Clinical Coordination Team at the Hospice before joining the Research Team at the end of September 2020. Charlotte is also the Coordinator for the Hospice User Group. Please get in touch by emailing research@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk if you are interested in finding out more.
Opportunities for Research and Innovation collaborations and partnerships
We are fortunate to work with a wide number of research collaborators, within our geographical region and further afield. If you would be interested in working with us, or think we could help support the delivery of your research, then please do get in touch. We maintain close collaborations with both organisations and regularly host undergraduate and postgraduate University research placements. We would be delighted to hear from you if this would be of interest.
Phone: 01225 722 988
Email: research@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk
Research placements with the University of Bath
Dorothy House is proud to support undergraduate and postgraduate students on their research journeys. We work closely with the University of Bath and regularly host MSc Health Psychology students on research placements. Watch the video below to learn more.