Posted on: 23 January 2026
Professor Hall joined the NIHR Research Delivery Network in 2008. He is also Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science at the University of Leeds, as well as a practicing Consultant in Cardiology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Hello, my name is Alistair, and I’m proud to be a leader within the NIHR Research Delivery Network in Yorkshire and Humber.
In my role I see the huge value of a ‘network’ in its truest sense, and I am privileged to work with some of the most dedicated and passionate people in the region. By working together, we use research to deliver life-changing investment in health and care across the nation.
The Yorkshire and Humber region has a legacy of delivering a wealth of research trials and studies that have changed systems, processes and treatments to improve people’s lives. Here in West Yorkshire, we worked as a network to deliver the ALABAMA study, a unique collaboration across our academics, medical experts and leading institutions. Through detailed research and clinical expertise, we were able to deliver a study which will ultimately change the processes of general practice nationally for the benefit of thousands of people. You can read more about ALABAMA here.
Another example of innovation collaboration in our region is the success of the FIND-AF trial where over 2,000 people took part in a study to help doctors detect more people at risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Clinical experts across West Yorkshire worked together to investigate an algorithm called FIND-AF that looks for red flags in people’s GP records that suggest they’re at risk of developing AF in the next six months. People identified by the algorithm are then offered further testing to confirm a diagnosis of AF. The team hope the West Yorkshire pilot will lay the groundwork for a UK-wide trial that could one day improve early diagnosis of AF and prevent more avoidable strokes.
I mention these ground-breaking examples happening right here in West Yorkshire not only to champion our wealth of expertise and unique innovations, but to also highlight the power of us working together for the better outcomes of our populations. Alongside major trials and studies, our broad work across the region reaches education, prisons, primary care, community settings and specialist outreach to communities who have historically not been represented in research - and much more.
In my unique and rewarding role, I am able to see how each one of us plays a part in transforming and improving healthcare for the people we serve. In our organisation, I see the vision and leadership of clinical experts, as well as the intrinsic value of our ‘agile research delivery teams’ and ‘study support teams’ that ensure studies get off the ground with their dedicated support and guidance. From this ‘network’, we all play our part in improving health and care.
In all our very diverse roles, across our diverse region, we all fit together to champion innovation, collaboration and successes that really improve the lives of people in West Yorkshire - and that starts with research. Help us spread the word about access to research for all our communities by signing up to and sharing our Be Part of Research campaign with your colleagues and audiences www.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk
Thank you for reading and above all, let's keep our networks strong and our hearts committed to the vital role we play in our health and care system.
Alistair - alistair.
NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Regional Research Delivery Network is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.
What else has been happening?
Life-saving Jess’s Rule to be advertised in every GP 
surgery
Patients across the country are set to benefit from a new life-saving safety campaign raising awareness of Jess’s Rule. All GP surgeries in England will receive Jess’s Rule posters from this week, displaying the safety drive to GPs, primary care staff and patients in thousands of consultation rooms. Find out more on the gov.uk website.
NHS Excellence Awards launched
This week, NHS England launched the NHS Excellence Awards – created to celebrate local teams already driving the changes envisioned in the 10 Year Health Plan and inspire others to adopt and adapt proven ways of improving access, quality and patient experience.
Importantly, this is the only awards programme run by and for the NHS. The awards are free to enter and there will be no charge for shortlisted teams to attend the awards ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo on 10 June.
Entries are sought in ten award categories that reflect the range of innovation happening across the health and care system. The awards are open for entries until 5pm on Friday 6 March 2026. Submit your entry now.
Vocational rehabilitation service helps senior health professional return to work
A senior health professional from West Yorkshire has successfully returned to work 
after receiving tailored support from the Healthy Working Life Programme’s Vocational Rehabilitation service.
Ellie (name changed to protect identity) was signed off work after an employer IT update removed digital tools she relied on to manage dyslexia and working-memory difficulties. The change led to burnout, significant cognitive and physical symptoms, and fears that she would never work again.
Referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation service in Bradford District and Craven, Ellie received a work-focused assessment, personalised rehabilitation plan and access to specialist clinicians through one-to-one sessions, group support and clinics. She also received an independent allied health professional (AHP) health and work report outlining practical, reasonable adjustments and a phased return to work, which was accepted by her employer.
The service helped Ellie pace her recovery, understand her rights under the Equality Act and rebuild confidence. She has now returned to work on a phased basis with agreed adjustments in place. As a result of the AHP report, her organisation is also reviewing how future IT updates consider the needs of staff who rely on specific tools to work effectively.
Ellie says the support helped her realise she was not the problem and gave her confidence that she can stay in work long term.
Read the full story on our Healthy Working Life case study pages.
Healthy Working Life is a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.