Currently BART funds a primary joint research manager, a data analyst, a research coordinator and a secretary and primary joint auditor through the Belfast Trust to facilitate the research and the running of the charity.

If expert advice is needed we employ staff on a consultancy basis to provide guidance on areas such as radiographic analysis, statistical analysis and computer aided design.

BART has established funding for two arthroplasty surgical fellows each year to complete orthopaedic training in the Primary Joint Unit. Essential training for staff in areas such as statistical analysis, management and courses in the National Joint Registry are also funded by BART.

So far 14 postgraduate qualifications have been completed: nine MPhils, two MDs and three PhDs with a further MD and two PhDs on going. All of these have been part or fully funded by BART. These have been either in conjunction with the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences or within the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast.

Funding has been provided for staff to present work at both national and international conferences to promote our research at Musgrave Park Hospital. Some of the conferences staff have attended in the past include: Current Concepts in Joint Replacement, the European federation of National Associations of Orthopaedic and Traumatology congress, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting, the British Hip Society annual meeting, the Irish Orthopaedic Association annual meeting and the British Orthopaedic Association annual congress.

BART has provided funding for the refurbishment of a meeting room, x-ray storage and office space for staff including PCs, an x-ray digitiser and audio-visual equipment. In addition BART has purchased equipment for specific research studies such as software to measure x-rays and experimental equipment for lab based studies. BART has also donated equipment to Musgrave Park Hospital for clinical use for example patient supports which are used in hip replacement operations. BART also supports patient care when needed for example in 2009 with the concerns of metal-on-metal hip replacements BART paid for blood metal ion testing for patients which was not then routine care until this was taken on by the Belfast Trust.