A MIDWIFE from Rednal has won a scholarship which will enable her to carry out groundbreaking research in her profession.
Lisa Follows was awarded an entry level scholarship funded by the Royal College of Midwives, the Burdett Trust for Nursing, and by Wellbeing of Women – a charity which funds research into all aspects of women’s reproductive health.
The scholarship will provide Lisa with the tools to research the impact of early hospital discharge of mothers and babies on midwife community.
Fiona Leishman, chief executive of Wellbeing of Women, said: “Funding research carried out by midwives is critical to help provide the best possible care for women and their babies to achieve our vision for a world where women are free from the distress, pain and heartache caused by women’s reproductive health issues.”
The project itself will look at what community midwives feel needs improving and how they can make better use of the resources available to them.
Lisa, who is married with two daughters and a grandson, said: “This award means so much to me. Not only is it giving me the opportunity to embark on a career path in research but also giving a voice to community midwives by looking at the impact early discharge of mothers and babies has on their workload and how they feel care of women and babies can be improved.”
Cathy Warwick, chief executive at the Royal College of Midwives, added research was crucial to ensure the care midwives were giving was the best it could possibly be.
“This award shows the range of work being done by midwives and in critical areas that can save lives, improve care and make a difference to women in the UK and globally. I congratulate Lisa and look forward to seeing the results of her work.”
Shirley Baines, chief executive Burdett Trust for Nursing also added: “The Burdett Trust for Nursing is committed to developing leadership across the profession and ensuring women get the best possible maternity care. We are delighted that our funding for Wellbeing of Women is having such a wide impact and we wish Lisa every success with her important international research.”
