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This consortium, led by these universities in collaboration with communities, charities, NHS trusts, local government, businesses and others, will be working together with the aim of tackling inequalities in maternity outcomes. The research carried out by the consortium will focus on inequalities before, during and after pregnancy. 

The consortium will also focus on building capacity for further research to help improve services over time. It will help support professionals who plan and deliver services for women and babies across both health and social care.

The 91直播 team brings together experts from across the University, led by Professor , Professor of Obstetrics in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre in the School of Medical Sciences. He explained:

鈥�Being selected to participate in the NIHR Maternity Inequalities consortium is a really exciting opportunity to work with our local populations and communities so that we can improve outcomes for mothers and babies across Greater 91直播 and the North West. 鈥�

Alongside partners in the Greater 91直播 Combined Authority and the Greater 91直播 Integrated Care Partnership, the 91直播 team also includes the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN). Dr Faye Ruddock DL, Chair of CAHN outlined the importance of embedded partnership with communities to effectively address maternity challenges:

鈥�Tackling the challenges faced by those who experience the worse maternal outcomes cannot be done without true partnership and collaboration with the Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise sector. This is why I am delighted that the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) is a named partner in the consortium ensuring engagement, lived experience, and advocacy are central to bringing about co-produced solutions to improve outcomes.鈥�

Developing the consortium

The 拢50m funding call was . The nine universities will be working in collaboration to develop a work programme that brings together strengths from across the UK focused on the challenges of maternity inequalities.

• University of Aberdeen (collaborating with Cardiff University)
• University of Bedfordshire
• Queen鈥檚 University Belfast
• University of Birmingham
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• University of Manchester
• Newcastle University 
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Southampton

The consortium members span most regions of the UK, ensuring a wide perspective on tackling maternity inequalities.

The consortium will also have a long-term goal of supporting the next generation of research leaders in maternal health and care. This will allow ongoing research to improve care for women and babies for years to come.
 

Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, said: 鈥�We are delighted by the level of engagement shown by researchers with this important research priority. I am confident we have an exceptional consortium to tackle the challenge of maternity inequalities; working in partnership with existing NIHR funded infrastructure and programmes. 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.鈥�

Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: 鈥�Every woman should receive safe, personalised and compassionate maternity care, regardless of background.鈥� 

鈥淲别 are determined to tackle the stark and unacceptable inequalities in maternity services and are working with NHS England to urgently improve care. Government-funded research like this is crucial to driving positive change.鈥�

鈥淭his is part of our mission to build an NHS fit for the future by harnessing the full potential of our research and life sciences secto谤.鈥�

If you are interested in getting involved with the 91直播 team involved in this consortium, contact healthierfutures@manchester.ac.uk