The Sagittarius programme creates a new model of care for patients experiencing a relapse (or flare) of ulcerative colitis (UC): a chronic inflammatory disease of the large bowel. The bringing together of University researchers and a specialist NHS team earned the Sagittarius team the ‘Award for Excellence’ at the OUH Staff Recognition Awards ceremony.
Delivered through a collaboration between NDORMS, Oxford University Hospitals and the NIHR Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility (EMCRF), Sagittarius has established dedicated weekly clinics for patients who have a relapse of their UC, where consultant gastroenterologists, specialist nurses, endoscopy teams and researchers work side by side. Now in its third year, the programme enables patients to receive rapid assessment and treatment for their condition while simultaneously having the opportunity to contribute to research that could improve outcomes for future patients.
The integrated service represents the first time a routine NHS service has been delivered within the EMCRF, creating a new model of care that benefits patients, clinicians and researchers alike.