Working together to improve services for women and girls
Southampton researchers played a key role in a regional advisory group focused on women’s health and care needs.
Their insights are part of a new report by Wessex Health Partners (WHP).
This work was commissioned by the region’s Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in Dorset and Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Both ICBs are committed to improving services for women and girls.
Southampton expertise
WHP is a strategic alliance of NHS organisations, universities and Health Innovation Wessex.
They were tasked with providing an overview of research in the Wessex region on women’s and girls' health.
Southampton’s Dr Katrina Cathie, Professor Ying Cheong and Professor Keith Godfrey were all part of the core advisory group.
Dr Cathie is a General Paediatrics and Paediatric Research Consultant at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). She leads a number of studies involving children and young people.
Prof Cheong is a Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Southampton. Her research is on the endometrium – the innermost lining layer of the uterus - and its environment for implantation.
Prof Godfrey is driving new research as Theme Lead for Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism in the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. His work aims to optimise health before and during pregnancy.
UHS R&D Senior Manager (Projects) Jan Westbury was also a co-author for the report.
‘A rich overview’
This work involved extracting nearly 200 studies from research databases and interviewing 50 researchers.
The report is a comprehensive overview of relevant research undertaken in the region in the last five years. It presents a wide-ranging selection of studies.
The findings will inform and support the two ICBs, helping to shape future discussions and develop recommendations.
This work has also connected researchers across the region who share similar interests.
A short video welcoming the report is available to view on YouTube. The full report can be read online here.