Receiving the Iolanthe Midwifery Research Fellowship over the last few years has been transformative for me both personally and professionally, but the impact of the fellowship extends beyond my own development.
The fellowship has been instrumental in several key areas, which are discussed below:
* The funding provided a crucial lifeline during the period I was not in employment, allowing me to focus on my studies and research without financial stress. The fellowship also enabled me to continue with me tuition at Bournemouth University, which was essential for the completion and submission of my academic work. Access to University resources and supervisory support was also a critical component of my completion.
* I feel eternally grateful to have received this fellowship. The support from the Iolanthe team, especially during personal challenges that delayed my submission, has been exceptional. Their encouragement and pastoral support positively contributed to my completion in February 2025.
* In 2023, I attended the “Communicating with Impact” training program with Research Retold - specialist research communication experts. This training enhanced my understanding of the impact of different forms of communication, including visual and digital communication strategies. As part of my dissemination plan, I will be disseminating my research to a diverse range of stakeholders, including the public, clinicians, system partners, directors of public health, and policymakers.
* The fellowship has also had significant impact on my career, and I will be forever grateful to The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust for supporting me on my journey. Since November 2024, I have been working at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) as the first Consultant Midwife at UHP and in Devon. My portfolio includes leading on perinatal health equity.
This workstream incorporates the co-creation of interventions and services grounded in the needs of the local population in partnership with women and their families, staff, and other stakeholders. The workstream also aligns with my commitment to social justice and draws on the conclusions and recommendations I have made in my PhD. I am committed to making an impact on closing the gap in outcomes and experiences between the poorest and richest in society, by drawing on the experiences of the women and midwives who kindly took part in my PhD study.
* Since November 2024, I have been immersing myself in life in Plymouth, with the community, the wider UHP organisation and regional system. This has helped me develop an understanding of the local context, challenges, and successes. I am committed to disseminating the learning from my PhD by working with the community, MNVP partners, the VCSE sector, and staff across the system to develop interventions and services that meet the needs of the community in Plymouth and contribute to the public health agenda within Devon.
