Research fills in these gaps by findings answers to things that are unknown, which helps us to improve the care we can provide to patients within the NHS both now and in the future.
At South Tees Hospitals NHS Founation Trust, we have a dedicated research team which includes research midwives, nurses and assistants. The team has received additional training in good clinical research practice to ensure that research studies are run ethically, safely and effectively.
During your pregnancy or birth, you may be approached by a research midwife and asked if you would like to take part in a research study. Participation in research studies is not mandatory, and your care will not change if you don’t wish to take part. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Obstetrics and gynaecology research team
- Hazel Alexander – Midwife
- Helen Harwood – Nurse
- Lynn Whitecross – Midwife
- Jen Ash – Midwife
- Jo Kane – Research assistant
- Naomi O’Neill – Research assistant
Current study portfolio
Obs UK
Some women experience excessive bleeding after childbirth, and some of those women will need a blood transfusion.
The Obstetric Bleeding Study is trying to reduce the use of blood products in cases where they may not be needed, or other medications can be used. In August 2024, we will begin using the Obs UK care package, and collecting data about all women who experience heavy bleeding after childbirth.
ROTATE
Some babies are ‘back to back’ in labour, and most need to rotate in order to be born naturally.
ROTATE is a study that aims to investigate if it is better to try and rotate babies manually (by hand), or using a ventouse cup or forceps. If your baby is in this position near the end of labour, you may be approached to take part.
iHOLDS
If your labour is induced, you may receive an infusion of oxytocin, which stimulates contractions.
There isn’t much research evidence about how much is the optimum amount to give for women to give birth. Women who take part in iHOLDS will receive either a high or low dose of oxytocin in labour, and we will collect data on length of labour, mode of delivery, and any potential complications.
Giant Panda
This study is looking at the effectiveness of two different medications (Labetalol and Nifedipine), that are commonly used for high blood pressure in pregnancy.
If you have pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension, you may be approached to take part in Giant Panda.
INGR1D
When your baby is 5-8 days old, you will be offered a screening test for them, called the Newborn Blood Spot Test, which routinely tests for around 9 rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria.
INGR1D offers parents the opportunity to add additional screening tests for their child’s risk of developing other conditions in later life.
Truffle2
If your baby is measuring small for gestational age on an ultrasound scan over 32 weeks, you may be offered involvement in Truffle2.
This study looks at the risks and benefits of delivering a smaller baby prematurely versus close monitoring and continuing with the pregnancy.
iGBS3
This study is looking at the level of antibody against Group B Streptococcus a woman needs in order to prevent her baby becoming infected.
The midwife caring for you when your baby is born will ask for your consent to take and store your baby’s cord blood for this study, after they have been born.
Stoppit-3
If a women goes in to premature labour, or a baby is at high risk of being born prematurely, we may offer two injections of steroids to help with fetal lung development.
This is routinely offered for women who are expecting one baby. The Stoppit-3 study aims to find out if similar benefits are seen for twins as they are in singleton pregnancies.
Twin Registry
The Twin Registry is an information-sharing study, that aims to fill gaps in knowledge, and help us to establish the best treatments to offer in multiple pregnancies that develop complications. It also looks at the best ways to monitor women and babies for these complications.
This should ultimately improve the care we provide to women and their babies. Furthermore, the registry will help us to ensure that all units caring for women with multiple pregnancies in the UK are providing consistent, evidence-based care. The registry enables long-term follow-up of these children at a national level.
Contact us
Contact the team by calling 01642 850850 or calling ext 55913.