Research in our Maternity Department

There are a number of ways you can get involved with research in our maternity department: 

Giant PANDA trial

This study is looking at which blood pressure medication is best for pregnant women with high blood pressure and their babies.

  • We will compare two medications called Labetalol and Nifedipine. Both have been widely used in the NHS to treat high blood pressure in pregnancy for many years and are both considered safe in pregnancy.
  • Around half the women taking part in this study will be asked to take Labetalol and the other half Nifedipine. The group you are in will be decided by chance and your healthcare team would be happy with you having either.
  • All women will continue to receive their usual NHS care during pregnancy.

To enquire about the study please contact research midwives – nwangliaft.fissresearch@nhs.net

LOCI

Infertility affects one in six couples, with 25% of infertility being due to anovulation (not releasing eggs from the ovaries).Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also very common; (approximately 10% of women of reproductive age in the UK have this condition) and it is responsible for 85% of anovulation. Invasive treatments, such as an operation called ovarian diathermy or In-vitro fertilisation (IVF), may overcome anovulation from PCOS, but are associated with significant risks and costs. This trial will explore the use of an oral tablet treatment to reduce the need for invasive, risky and costly fertility treatments for women with PCOS, and may improve patient experience.

eVOLVE

Our Trust is currently taking part in a national evaluation of NHS England’s Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle Version 2 to reduce perinatal mortality.   

The eVOLVE study will help us and the NHS understand how maternity services are applying the second version of the care bundle and whether this improves outcomes for mothers and babies.   

As part of this study, we are conducting surveys to increase our understanding of how the second version of the care bundle is perceived, experienced, and delivered by NHS staff across the maternity care pathway. As a healthcare professional, you are in the best position to give us valuable first-hand information from your own perspective.   

Who can take part in the study?  

We invite all healthcare professionals who deliver maternity care (midwives, community midwives, obstetricians, sonographers, junior doctors, clinical directors, and commissioners) to participate in the survey. Taking part is voluntary and your responses are anonymous.  

How can I take part in the survey?  

You can take part in the survey by following this link.  All surveys should be completed no later than 1 December 2023.