We’re marking International Women’s Day by highlighting some of the recent research projects we’ve funded that are led by female researchers, clinicians and academics.
With your help we can continue to fund pioneering research studies that aim to find new and better treatments and cures for our patients.
Dr Kurian is leading pioneering research into brain cancer detection. Her work is investigating whether brain cancers can be detected with a blood test using a cell search system to isolate and measure tumour cells in the blood, which has already been seen in breast, bowel and prostate cancers.
This is a pioneering study which could potentially reduce, if not eliminate, the need for tissue biopsies or less accurate head scanning during follow-up.
Dr Cornthwaite’s project is developing a simulation training programme for maternity staff to improve the outcomes of difficult caesarean births in the second stage of labour. This training will greatly prepare our staff for difficult births, impacting the lives of many parents and children.
Dr Van der Nelson is leading a study to compare treatments given for haemorrhage following birth. This study will be the first to directly compare three medicines and the overall cost associated with their use, to establish which drug given following birth is effective and whether women who receive it are less likely to experience nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure.
Dr Methven is looking at the options faced by people with dementia who also need dialysis.
The results of the study will be published to provide the balanced views from patients and healthcare professionals about the pros and cons of treatment options, which will help both family members and healthcare professionals when they have to make care decisions for patients with memory problems.
The work of Dr Barnfield and her team looksat improving the test of whether a baby is receiving enough oxygen during labour, which if a baby is deprived of oxygen can lead to life-long health problems such as cerebral palsy.
This project investigates the use of lactate meters to test foetal blood samples, by checking the reliability of a handheld machine to detect unwell babies.
It is thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters that we are able to fund such ground-breaking projects.
Click here to read more about our ongoing research funding and how you can help.
