A research bus investigating serious illness in premature babies will visit Chester city centre this Friday (24 July).

The Countess of Chester Hospital's mobile research bus will be at Chester Town Hall from 11am to 2.30pm, giving local people the chance to find out more about an NHS study exploring why some people are more vulnerable to critical illness.

It is looking at whether differences in DNA could help explain why babies born before 32 weeks face a higher risk of serious illness.

People who choose to participate will be asked to provide a simple saliva sample, which researchers will use to analyse DNA.

Genetic and health information from participants will then be compared with wider population data to identify patterns that could reveal why some people are more likely to become seriously ill.

Researchers hope the findings will improve understanding of the causes of critical illness and support the development of new treatments and better care for patients in the future.

Taking part is completely voluntary, and visitors will be able to discuss the study with the research team before deciding whether to participate.

Although those who take part are unlikely to benefit directly, the knowledge gained through the study could help researchers develop a better understanding of critical illness and support advances in patient care for future generations.

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Jude Prince, research coordinator at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Research plays a vital role in helping us better understand why some people become seriously ill and how we can improve care in the future.

"By taking our research bus out into the community, we're able to talk directly to people about the studies taking place across the NHS, answer their questions and explain how research is helping to shape the treatments of tomorrow."

Funded by NHS research partners, the trust's mobile research bus is one of only four operating across the North West. It was launched in 2024 to bring NHS research opportunities directly into local communities.

The vehicle forms part of a wider investment in the Trust's growing research programme, alongside a dedicated three-bed clinical research unit.