Doctors and midwives net 240,000 pound grant

Doctors and Midwives at University Hospital of North Staffordshire's Maternity Centre have won 240,000 pound for research. The Research for Patient Benefit grant from the National Institute of Health Research could have a significant impact on women's health and wellbeing worldwide.

Following birth, it is estimated that 350,000 women per year in the UK and millions more worldwide will experience perineal stitches as a result of a natural tear or needing to be cut. Sometimes the perineal wound may break down and can take up to 16 weeks to heal, often leaving the new mother very traumatised. The research, in partnership with Staffordshire and Keele University's, will look into treatments that could reduce the length of the healing process.

Dr Khaled Ismail, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, is delighted with the award. He said: "This study addresses an area of clinical research that has been extremely neglected. New mums often feel so traumatised by perineal wound breakdown that they request subsequent deliveries are by caesarean section to avoid further complications. If treatments prove to be effective it could lead to significant improvements that will help to reduce both the short and long term ill health experienced by women.

Professor Christine Kettle, professor of women's health and world renowned expert on perineal trauma, is looking for 180 women to volunteer in the research. She said: "Although the study is being led in Stoke we are hoping to recruit women from Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Stafford, over the next 18 months. The women who take part in this research will improve our knowledge of treating perineal wound breakdown following childbirth. If our treatments prove to be successful it will go a long way to improving the health and wellbeing of new mothers."

Sister Lynn Dudley, the senior midwife who will be leading the research, said: "I meet mums regularly who have experienced stitches to tears following childbirth and it can have a big effect on them. Any treatment that can help them to recover during what is a very important time for them and their new family needs to be researched. I'm delighted with this award and the whole team can't wait to start the research."