The award, for the Research Impact category in the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards 2026, celebrates Bamford's significant contribution to patient care and her efforts in encouraging more hand therapists to engage in research.
The FIRST trial, established in 2022, aimed to determine the most effective splint treatment for patients following finger flexor tendon repairs. This research is crucial as over 7,000 people in the UK annually sustain such injuries, impacting their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Bamford's leadership ensured high-quality, patient-centred evidence and actively promoted therapists, rather than traditional 'research leads' like surgeons, to act as principal investigators. This initiative has equipped numerous therapists across the UK with valuable research skills, some of whom have since initiated their own research projects.
“"I'm overwhelmed and stunned about this recognition. But throughout my research journey, I have always maintained that it's very much a team effort. Around 1,000 people were involved in the FIRST trial, including the patients, site staff, clinical teams and the trials units. So it's a huge amount of work and input from lots of different people, all working towards improving outcomes for patients. It has been an amazing journey for me, and really hard work, so it's lovely for that to be recognised."
Bamford expressed her gratitude, highlighting the collaborative nature of the trial and the positive ripple effect of empowering fellow therapists. Dr Anna Selby, Research and Postgraduate Manager for the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, praised Bamford's leadership, stating her work will have a 'long-lasting impact'.
This national award follows Bamford being named Hand Therapist of the Year by the British Society of Surgery less than a year ago. She will receive her award at a national event next month, where she will also be considered for the overall AHP of the Year prize.
