Medway Maritime Hospital’s Research and Innovation Team is involved in multiple ongoing research studies covering a wide range of different topics.
They regularly have more than 50 studies ongoing at any time and aim to cover as many specialist areas as possible from young to old, cancers to infections. Some of our most successful research areas include reproductive health and childbirth, cancer and critical care.
The Developmental Outcomes of Long-term Feed Supplementation in Neonates (DOLFIN) trial is just one of the hospital’s ongoing studies. Running until May 2027, the trial aims to recruit 1,010 babies from around 30 UK neonatal units.
DOLFIN looks at whether giving a nutritional supplement daily for a year, to babies who are born very early or who suffer poor blood supply or lack of oxygen to the brain before or around birth, will improve their long-term cognitive development.

Medway Maritime Hospital joined the DOLFIN trial in September 2023 and has successfully recruited 22 participants in the last two years.
Taking part in the study is Zainab Yunus and her son Akorede, who was born at 24 weeks.
Zainab said: “I believe the DOLFIN supplement has played a significant role in my son’s healthy growth, brain development and ability to meet milestones.
“He has tolerated the supplement well from the start, is growing well according to his chart and we have no concerns so far.”
Helen Gbinigie, Consultant Neonatologist at Medway NHS Foundation Trust and lead for the study said:
“Research is vitally important here at Medway. The DOLFIN study allows us to explore how we can support babies born early or with complications in improving their long-term cognitive development through a daily supplement for 12 months. The supplement contains natural, beneficial fatty acids, similar to those found in fish oil, along with other key nutrients to support healthy brain development.
“By understanding which interventions work best, we can give these babies the healthiest possible start in life.
“We are committed to ensuring our research is inclusive and benefits families from all backgrounds. We are truly grateful to everyone who takes part in our studies, as their involvement is essential in helping us make a real difference for future generations.”
If you are interested in taking part in research studies here at Medway, you can speak to our research nurses on the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit or contact the Research and Innovation Team by emailing medwayft.researchenquiries@nhs.net.
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