NICRN Trauma & Orthopaedics Team Achieves Top UK Recruitment for FRUITI Trial

April 21, 2026

The NICRN Trauma and Orthopaedics team at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) has been recognised as the leading recruiting site in the UK for January 2026 for the FRUITI clinical trial. This achievement reflects effective multidisciplinary working and the Trust’s continued commitment to delivering high‑quality clinical research embedded within routine care.

The FRUITI study opened at the Belfast site in December 2025 and is part of the WHiTE (World Hip Trauma Evaluation) Platform studies led by Oxford University, which aim to improve outcomes for patients with hip fractures through large‑scale, pragmatic research conducted across NHS settings.

FRUITI is a randomised clinical trial comparing two established surgical treatment approaches for hip fracture: internal fixation and hip replacement. The study is designed to determine clinical superiority between the treatment groups, supported by a parallel economic evaluation, with the primary objective of comparing health‑related quality‑of‑life outcomes. Participants are followed for up to one year, with additional long‑term follow‑up at five years post‑diagnosis to support comprehensive assessment of clinical and cost‑effectiveness.

The study is ongoing, with recruitment continuing at the Belfast site.

The Principal Investigator for the FRUITI trial at BHSCT is Mr Owen Diamond (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), supported by Mr Paul Kariyiannis as Co‑Principal Investigator, with surgical leadership provided by Mr Tucker. The study team includes trainees Mr Daryl Macauley, Mr Jagdeesh Nijher, and Dr Alok Vinayakumar and is supported by Clinical Research Nurse Anie Philip, who has contributed to research coordination and study delivery at the site and the department is pleased to welcome Niall Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Doherty, and Ryan Moffat as new trainees, further strengthening delivery capacity within the service.

NICRN and BHSCT would like to acknowledge the contribution of all clinical, research, and support staff involved in achieving this milestone. Particular thanks are extended to Leeann Bryce from TORC for her ongoing study support and our very own T&O research nurse Aine Philip. The Trust also extends its sincere appreciation to the patients who have consented to take part in FRUITI, whose participation is essential to advancing evidence‑based trauma care.