Improving care for sick and premature babies

Information for parents

The Newborn Intensive and Special Care (NISC) nurseries at the Women’s provide the best possible care for babies. To maintain the highest level of care we are continually updating our practice by carrying out careful research studies. Results from research at the Women’s have helped thousands of babies to survive both here and around the world. Every family passing through our nurseries has the opportunity to be part of these new discoveries and ensure a brighter future for tomorrow’s babies.

Our research projects

Many sick and premature babies need specialist help in the first few minutes after birth and ongoing help as they grow and develop. Very premature babies particularly need help with breathing and may require extra oxygen and breathing support for many weeks after birth. They also need help with feeding, fighting infection, growing and developing normally. Our research projects focus on learning how to improve resuscitation and breathing support, reducing infection and understanding interactions between mothers and their premature babies.

We have more than ten studies currently underway at the Women’s. You may be approached by researchers to participate in any of these during your baby’s stay. A leaflet is available which describes all of our current studies, this will be given to you if your baby becomes eligible for any of our studies. You can find copies of the leaflet in the parents’ tea room in the NISC, or simply ask a member of staff for a copy.

Questions families frequently ask about research

What is research?

Research is the gathering and understanding of information, to answer important questions and improve the care we provide for sick and premature babies.

Why should we be involved with research?

Many thousands of babies are alive today because of research undertaken in the past. It is important to continue researching to improve the health of babies. At the Women’s we rely on families joining our research projects to improve the care we deliver. Babies in our projects continue to receive the best possible care throughout their hospital stay.

Do we have to take part in research?

No, all participation in research is voluntary. If you are approached about a research study, please feel free to ask as many questions as you need to satisfy yourselves that the project would be right for you and your baby. If you do not wish to take part, or wish to change your mind about being involved, you may do so at any time.

How do we know the research is safe?

All our research projects are assessed, modified and approved by the doctors and nurses working in the NISC, as well as by the hospital’s Research and Ethics Committees to ensure they are fair, safe, relevant and important.

Who will talk to us about research?

Depending on the study you may be approached at any time during your baby’s stay at the Women’s. Occasionally this is before your baby is born, but more commonly it would be once your baby is being cared for in the NISC. Many of our projects start in the first few days of life, so this is the most usual time for a research team member to talk to you. As it may be possible for your baby to be involved with more than one project, you may be approached by several members of our team at different times during your stay.