STaRNet (the London South Thames research network) was conceived in 1996 and launched in 1997 by the Professors Hilton, Jones and Higgs. STaRNet was set up in response to the Mant report which highlighted the under funding and low profile of primary care research at the time. STaRNet was funded by the NHS Executive South Thames to build research capacity and research awareness amongst primary care staff. Fifteen ‘lead’ practices were recruited to become part of a network of ‘research and implementation’ general practices across the region. These original members not only conducted their own research, including achieving external peer reviewed grant awards and peer reviewed publications, but also recruited and supported new ‘associate’ member to become active researchers. STaRNet achieved all its strategic aims in both output and capacity building. Following NHS Executive Regional Office reorganisation in 1999, STaRNet was sited in both London and the South East Regional Areas. In recognition of the differing health needs of the population and capacity building needs in the primary care workforce in the two regions STaRNet divided into two networks in April 2001.
STaRNet London has worked with the Department of Health and the 11 Primary Care Trusts in south London to develop a strategic plan that addresses the health needs of the population of south London. We now have two programmes of research; Mental Health and People with learning Disabilities, and Research Priorities of PCTs. Both of these are rated ‘strong’ by the Department of Health. We work closely and co-operatively with the sister South London Research Networks, the Battersea Research Group and the Lewisham Research Unit. This joint working has included designing and running training for primary care researchers at all stages of their development. All primary care workers are free to join the network and have equal access to funding which is used to raise research awareness and involvement of primary care workers and patients throughout south London. It continues the strong relationship with the departments of general practice that founded it; in addition, new and exciting links with the Faculty of Health at London South Bank and Greenwich Universities have been made.
STaRNet (the London South Thames research network) was conceived in 1996 and launched in 1997 by the Professors Hilton, Jones and Higgs. STaRNet was set up in response to the Mant report which highlighted the under funding and low profile of primary care research at the time. STaRNet was funded by the NHS Executive South Thames to build research capacity and research awareness amongst primary care staff. Fifteen ‘lead’ practices were recruited to become part of a network of ‘research and implementation’ general practices across the region. These original members not only conducted their own research, including achieving external peer reviewed grant awards and peer reviewed publications, but also recruited and supported new ‘associate’ member to become active researchers. STaRNet achieved all its strategic aims in both output and capacity building. Following NHS Executive Regional Office reorganisation in 1999, STaRNet was sited in both London and the South East Regional Areas. In recognition of the differing health needs of the population and capacity building needs in the primary care workforce in the two regions STaRNet divided into two networks in April 2001.
STaRNet London has worked with the Department of Health and the 11 Primary Care Trusts in south London to develop a strategic plan that addresses the health needs of the population of south London. We now have two programmes of research; Mental Health and People with learning Disabilities, and Research Priorities of PCTs. Both of these are rated ‘strong’ by the Department of Health. We work closely and co-operatively with the sister South London Research Networks, the Battersea Research Group and the Lewisham Research Unit. This joint working has included designing and running training for primary care researchers at all stages of their development. All primary care workers are free to join the network and have equal access to funding which is used to raise research awareness and involvement of primary care workers and patients throughout south London. It continues the strong relationship with the departments of general practice that founded it; in addition, new and exciting links with the Faculty of Health at London South Bank and Greenwich Universities have been made.