Nine UK universities have been chosen to form the newly established NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium, devoted to addressing inequalities in maternity care outcomes. This group will conduct research targeting disparities before, during, and after pregnancy.
The consortium is also dedicated to nurturing research capabilities to enhance service improvements over time. It will support professionals who are involved in planning and providing services for mothers and infants across both healthcare and social services.
Professor Judith Rankin, an expert in Maternal and Child Health at Newcastle University, is appointed as the Consortium’s co-Lead for Research and Capacity Development. Concurrently, Professor Joht Singh Chandan from the University of Birmingham takes on the role of co-Lead for Research.
This initiative, funded by a £50 million grant announced in March 2024, has selected nine top universities that will collaborate with various UK-based organizations. The partners include local authorities, NHS trusts, charities, companies, and other health bodies.
Leading universities include: University of Aberdeen (in partnership with Cardiff University); University of Bedfordshire; Queen’s University Belfast; University of Birmingham; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; University of Manchester; Newcastle University; Sheffield Hallam University; and University of Southampton.
The consortium’s members represent most regions throughout the UK, ensuring comprehensive insights into addressing maternity disparities. The following steps involve expanding collaborations in anticipation of the research work commencing in early 2025. Initially, funding will be allocated to establish partnerships with charities, the life sciences sector, and patient advocacy groups, fostering relevant expertise.
After forming these collaborations, the consortium will select research themes. A significant objective is to produce research leading to tangible improvements in care and outcomes throughout pregnancy.
Long-term goals include fostering the next generation of research leaders in maternal health, ensuring continued enhancements in care services for women and their children.
Professor Marian Knight of NIHR Infrastructure remarked, “We are thrilled by the level of engagement from the research community regarding this pressing issue. I believe the consortium possesses an outstanding opportunity to address maternity inequality while collaborating with existing NIHR-funded structures. We eagerly anticipate upcoming months working with the consortium to develop plans for innovative research initiatives.”
Health Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, stated, “It is crucial for every woman to receive safe and personalized maternity care, irrespective of their background.
“Our commitment is to rectify the stark disparities within maternity services, and with NHS England’s collaboration, ensure urgent improvements. Government-backed research, as seen here, is vital to encouraging positive shifts.
“Part of our broader mission involves enhancing the NHS for the future, fully utilizing the potential of our research and life sciences industry.”
Professor Joht Singh Chandan, co-lead for Research, noted, “It’s an honor to serve as co-Lead for the NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium. Addressing maternity care inequities is crucial, and this consortium brings together extensive expertise to effect meaningful change. Our purpose is to confront disparities throughout pregnancy by undertaking research that genuinely improves family and baby care in the UK. I’m especially eager to engage with the communities most impacted by these inequalities, ensuring their insights shape our work and yield lasting, meaningful solutions.”
Professor Judith Rankin, co-Lead for Research and Capacity Development, expressed, “I’m excited to partake in this pioneering consortium, aiming to achieve the critical improvements in outcomes for both women and their children. It’s an honor to be named co-Lead for Research and Capacity Development. Alongside the research efforts, we’ll invest in nurturing future research leaders, ensuring the capacity exists to improve pregnancy outcomes, and the accessibility and quality of care services.”