A senior clinician at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of just 109 people across the UK to receive a prestigious Churchill Fellowship this year, to explore innovative approaches to frailty care around the world.

Rob Loughran, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner within the Trust’s Community Healthy Ageing Team, has been chosen to travel to Australia and Japan as part of the prestigious programme, where he will explore pioneering community-led approaches to frailty care.

His work will focus on prevention, healthy ageing and helping older people stay well and independent for longer.

Frailty is increasingly recognised as one of the biggest challenges facing health and care services as populations age, and can leave older people more vulnerable to falls, illness, hospital admission and loss of independence.

Across Cheshire and Merseyside, there is unwarranted variation in frailty care, with older people living with frailty being conveyed to hospital disproportionately.

At the Countess of Chester Hospital, there is an average of 13 Emergency Department attendances and 21 acute medical admissions each day among people aged 75 and over.

Older people living with frailty are among the highest users of health and social care services, accounting for 10.7% of healthcare costs, while the local population aged over 75 is forecast to grow by 45% by 2040.

Countries like Japan and Australia are recognised for their innovative approaches to supporting healthy ageing, helping older people remain active, independent and connected to their communities for longer.

Through the Fellowship, Rob will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts and explore how successful approaches from overseas could help shape future services for older people closer to home.

Speaking about his award, Rob said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a Churchill Fellowship for 2026.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from world-leading experts in community frailty care and see first-hand how other countries are supporting older people to live healthier, more independent lives.

“I’m passionate about making a real difference locally, and I look forward to bringing this learning back to help improve care and outcomes for older people in our communities,” he said.

Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Churchill Fellowship, said: “In a world where looking outwards has never mattered more, there is something genuinely hopeful about people choosing to seek out new ideas, build connections across borders, and use that knowledge to create positive change.”

“I am delighted to welcome our 2026 Fellows. Each of them shows the power of curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn from others. We’re all looking forward to following their journeys and seeing the difference they make across the UK.”

Jonathan Develing, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, added: “We are incredibly proud of Rob on receiving this prestigious Churchill Fellowship.

“His selection is a testament to his dedication, expertise and passion for improving the lives of older people across our communities.

“Frailty is one of the most significant challenges facing health and care services, and this Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to learn from international best practice and bring innovative ideas back to Cheshire and Merseyside.

“We look forward to supporting Rob as he shares his learning and helps shape the future of community-based frailty care for the benefit of our patients and population.”