Consortium on maternity inequalities featuring the University of Bedfordshire in full swing
The university's research findings will be key in identifying differences in care.
A national consortium aimed at identifying maternity inequalities across the country is now in full swing, featuring key research from the University of Bedfordshire.
The University was selected last month as one of nine UK universities to participate in the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Challenge Maternity Disparities Consortium, a multi-year initiative aimed at addressing and reducing inequalities in maternity care.
Dr. Shuby Puthussery, Director of the University’s Maternal and Child Health Research Centre (MCHRC) and lead of the Maternity Inequalities Research Alliance East of England (MIRA-E), said: "We are delighted and honoured to join the NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium and look forward to working together to make a step change in addressing maternity inequalities in the UK."
Dr. Puthussery highlighted the stark disparities that persist in maternal health outcomes, which will be a key area of focus.
She said: "Between 2020 and 2022, Black women in the UK were three times more likely to die due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes compared to White British women.
"It was more or less the same case with South Asian women, who were twice as likely to die.
"Women living in the most deprived areas were also twice as likely to die compared to those in the least deprived areas."
The consortium, supported by the NIHR, aims to address these issues by bringing together universities, NHS organizations, and community groups.
The University of Bedfordshire’s MIRA-E partnership includes Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Early Years Alliance, and Groundwork London.
This partnership focuses on tackling inequalities before, during, and after pregnancy through research, capacity-building activities, and community engagement.
Dr. Puthussery explained the approach: "We will build on our strong track record of applied multi-disciplinary research and programme implementation in tackling maternity and wider health inequalities.
"We aim to provide a coordinated, multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral approach to tackle maternity inequalities through research and innovation, evidence-based implementation, capacity strengthening, and community engagement and involvement."
The university’s local setting in Luton—a town known for its rich diversity—has shaped much of its research.
Dr. Puthussery noted that the University of Bedfordshire is uniquely positioned to learn from the diverse local communities it serves, with research findings often addressing the needs of ethnically diverse and socially disadvantaged populations.
"A big part of our research has been driven by responding to local needs," she said. "The local diversity allows us to learn from these communities and give them a voice in shaping their care. This local insight is critical for translating findings into national policies and guidelines for mothers from similar backgrounds."
Initial funding of £50,000 has been allocated to consortium members to establish relationships with charities, patient groups, and the life sciences industry.
These relationships will inform the consortium’s research priorities, with a focus on measurable improvements in maternity care.
Over the five-year program, stakeholders—including healthcare professionals, policymakers, families, and women—will help identify the most pressing issues to address.
Dr. Puthussery also pointed to the broader impact of the consortium, which extends beyond the immediate research goals: "A key aim is to ensure the research leads to explicit and visible improvements in healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy.
"While doing so, we also want to build the next generation of research leaders to help improve services over time and allow for ongoing research to address emerging challenges."
Professor Andrew Church, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "We are proud to be a partner in this new consortium, which underscores our commitment to impactful research that addresses important societal challenges.
"Through this consortium, we are prepared to deliver innovative solutions to maternity inequalities that affect families and communities across the country."
Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, added: "I am confident we have an exceptional consortium to tackle the challenge of maternity inequalities; working in partnership with existing NIHR-funded infrastructure and programs.
"We look forward to working with the consortium and their collaborators across the UK to develop the final plans for their ground-breaking new research projects over the next few months."
With a strong foundation of research, a committed team, and a focus on community-driven priorities, the University of Bedfordshire and its partners are aiming to make meaningful strides in reducing maternity inequalities across the UK.