Willows Health and DMU launch new research centre to transform patient care in Leicester

The partnership

Willows Health and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have launched the Willows-DMU Centre for Primary Care Research — an innovative partnership to foster collaboration between expert clinicians, academic leaders in health and social care, and research design specialists. The centre focuses on original studies that directly enhance patient care in community settings rather than hospital care.

Research focus

One of the first research projects focuses on how smart analytics can monitor the functional abilities of older adults remotely, especially post-Covid-19. Future research will explore mental health care, asthma management, diabetes care, and the link between Covid-19 and dental health.

Key quotes

"DMU has a proud history of research that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives. By collaborating with Willows Health, we have a tremendous opportunity to harness our academic research strengths to support and inform health interventions, practices, and policies." — Professor David Mba, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), DMU

"Every patient consultation gives us valuable data for research. The new centre will serve as a practical, hands-on unit aimed at translating this research into better everyday care." — Professor Rishabh Prasad, Co-founder of Willows-DMU Centre, Chairman of Willows Health

"Our ambition is to develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and efficiency for Leicester's diverse population." — Professor Bertha Ochieng, Professor of Integrated Health and Social Care, DMU; Co-director of the Centre

"Our collaboration with DMU will allow us to integrate research findings into practice more rapidly and effectively, not only across Leicester but on a national scale." — Dr. Tariq Kapasi, Medical Director of Willows Health; Co-director of the Centre

"This collaboration is a dream partnership. By combining academic rigor with clinical expertise, the Willows-DMU Centre has immense potential to solve real-world problems in healthcare." — Professor Mayur Lakhani CBE, Chair of West Leicestershire CCG