News
Global patient safety and wellbeing initiative seeks new projects
Healthcare practitioners, providers and researchers across the UK are being invited to apply for funding through the MPS Foundation’s 2026 grant programme. Launched in 2022 by Medical Protection Society, the global not- for-profit research initiative funds projects addressing some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges, including workforce wellbeing, patient safety risks, digital innovation, and improvements in clinical education and training. Since its launch, the MPS Foundation has
supported more than 60 medical and dental research projects worldwide, including several in the UK. Funded local initiatives include a project aimed at reducing burnout and supporting the wellbeing of resident doctors in the NHS, and a study aimed to improve safety in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The Foundation is inviting applications for
research and analysis that strengthens the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams and improves patient safety across the medical and dental professions. Grants of up to £200,000 are available, depending on the ambition, scope, and duration of the proposal. Smaller, practice-based or pilot studies are also encouraged, with previous awards as little as £2,500.
Applications are open to both members and non-members in regions where MPS operates. This includes the UK, Australia, the Caribbean and Bermuda, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa. Joint applications between UK-based researchers and international partners are welcomed, particularly where shared learning can enhance patient safety and clinician wellbeing across healthcare systems. Research projects should be academically
robust, evidence-based and focused on at least one of the MPS Foundation’s four strategic priorities: l The impact of human factors on patient safety, outcomes and risk.
l The personal and professional wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams.
l The impact of digital integration and technology on patient safety, outcomes and risk.
l Evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching and learning innovations.
Applicants can register their interest and apply by visiting
www.thempsfoundation.org and entering their details via the online grant portal. Calls for expressions of interest close at 17.00 BST on Friday 1 May 2026.
Clementine Churchill Hospital is the first UK private hospital to install da Vinci 5
The Clementine Churchill Hospital, part of Circle Health Group is the UK’s first private hospital to install Intuitive’s da Vinci 5 Surgical System. Specially designed to support the delivery of minimally invasive procedures in general surgery, urology, gynaecology and other specialties, da Vinci 5 is an innovative robotic-assisted surgical system, which is now operational at Circle Health Group’s flagship London hospital. The da Vinci 5 is the latest to join the
organisation’s existing portfolio of robotic-assisted da Vinci surgical systems. Working in harmony with The Clementine Churchill’s specialist surgeons, the da Vinci 5 is expected to offer increased accuracy, shorter hospital stays for patients and greater operational efficiency. In total, over a decade of research and development has gone into creating the fifth generation surgical system that has 10,000 times more computing power than other da Vinci systems, in addition to using AI to evaluate real case data providing surgeons with objective insights to improve peer-to-peer learning and surgical outcomes. As one of London’s leading private hospitals,
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I April 2026
New bone scanners to cut waiting times
Tens of thousands of patients at risk of osteoporosis and other bone conditions will get faster access to vital bone scans, as 20 new scanners are rolled out across England. The new machines will help diagnose fragile bones earlier and prevent painful, life-changing fractures - particularly among older people and women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis. The funding covers six additional scanners to expand capacity and 14 replacement machines to modernise outdated equipment with improved image quality for patients. It builds on the first wave of 13 scanners announced last year, 10 of which are already in use and helping patients start treatment sooner. Last year (2025), over 16,000 extra DEXA scans were delivered compared with the year prior (2024).
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes
Streeting, said: “Too many women are suffering painful, preventable fractures because osteoporosis is diagnosed too late. That has to change. These new scanners will help thousands of patients get tested sooner, start treatment earlier and avoid the trauma of life-changing breaks. We are cutting waiting times and modernising the NHS so it works for patients - preventing illness where we can and delivering care faster for those that need it most. Dr. Lesley Kay, NHS National Clinical Director for Musculoskeletal Conditions, said: “Osteoporosis and other bone conditions can have a devastating effect on patients, so improving access to this specialist technology will make a real difference to people’s lives. These scanners are the diagnostic gold standard and now tens of thousands more people will be diagnosed at an early stage and treated more quickly, as well as prevented from suffering broken bones.” The DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry)
The Clementine Churchill Hospital intends to make the 98-bed facility the designation of choice for London-based and international patients looking to access the latest robotic-assisted technology. Paul Manning, Chief Executive Officer of Circle Health Group, said: “Patients are increasingly looking to access high-quality services that are supported by the latest technology. We are committed to ensuring that our facilities and services continue to meet the needs of patients today and tomorrow. Welcoming the first da Vinci 5 system to the private sector in the UK reflects our desire to be an industry leader in robotics and innovative surgical technology that delivers outstanding outcomes to our patients.”
machines measure bone density and are the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal
Osteoporosis Society, said: “We welcome this investment in DEXA scanners, which will expand access to bone density testing and deliver on the government’s election commitment to 15,000 additional scans each year. Early diagnosis is essential. To ensure every scan leads to effective treatment and fracture prevention, it will now be vital to publish the implementation plan for nationwide fracture liaison services, so patients can move seamlessly from diagnosis to care.”
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