The development of a research-active culture brings significant benefits to pregnant women and people, and their families. Research drives innovation, giving rise to more cost-effective treatments and improving the quality of care we are able to provide.
In units with high research activity, the clinical outcomes are better. In 2020, our research ambition had grown such that we employed a dedicated research midwife to lead and support maternity studies.
We are committed to improving the care we give to birthing women/people and their families, which is why we offer you the opportunity to get involved in clinical research studies.
Through research we can find out:
- Which treatments are most effective
- Develop the advice and information we offer
- Assess what is acceptable to those in our care and where specialist support is needed
Our research is approved and funded by the National Institute of Health Research, which means it is ethically and scientifically sound, and has the highest standards possible for patient safety.
Being involved in research is optional. If we do offer you the chance to take part, you will be given written information and plenty of time to ask questions and find out more before you decide.
Areas of care we are currently researching include:
- Having a big baby
- Diabetes in pregnancy
- Supporting vaginal breech birth
- Group B Strep (GBS) in pregnancy
- Review of placental hormones to identify your risk of developing pre-eclampsia
