Further funding will support THIS Institute in Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth programme

Led by Homerton Fellow Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute works to strengthen the evidence base for improving the quality and safety of healthcare.

By Laura Kenworthy 1min read

The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute at the University of Cambridge (THIS Institute), in collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will lead the second phase of a programme to improve maternity care and reduce brain injuries at birth, thanks to a further £3 million of government investments.

The first phase was announced in July 2021, and involved consultation with over 500 healthcare professionals and more than 140 women and birth partners. £2 million was provided to develop tools and training to monitor and respond to a baby’s wellbeing during labour, and manage complications with babies’ positioning during caesarean sections.

Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Homerton Fellow and Director of THIS Institute, said:

"The outstanding feature of the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) programme is that it’s co-designed with maternity staff and those using maternity services. By combining clinical expertise, lived experiences, and the best possible scientific evidence in this area, ABC will support better identification of when babies are deteriorating and the right escalation and action when babies need it. ABC will also address the challenges of impacted fetal head at caesarean section – a problem that needs to be addressed through high quality training and support.

This is a wonderful chance for maternity staff and those using maternity services to get involved in co-designing education, training and a cultural toolkit."

Further information is available here