National report highlights the role of PERIPrem in improving care for babies born prematurely
News
New national data demonstrates significant reductions in regional infant mortality rates New findings published by the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) at the University of Bristol provide an important opportunity to recognise major progress in outcomes for premature infants and their families across England. The NCMD’s annual data release for the year ending 31 March…
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New research highlights PERIPrem improves care for premature babies
News
A new study has highlighted how the successful implementation of PERIPrem is helping maternity and neonatal teams deliver evidence-based care for premature babies more consistently. The research, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, examines the experience of teams implementing the Perinatal Excellence to Reduce Injury in Premature Birth (PERIPrem) care bundle and identifies the factors that…
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National audit highlights strong outcomes for premature babies across the West and South West of England
News
The latest National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP) report highlights strong outcomes for premature babies across the West and South West of England, including low rates of mortality, late-onset bloodstream infection and preterm brain injury. Published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in October 2026, the NNAP report presents findings from neonatal care…
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How the Hegenberger Retractor supports careful, dignified postnatal repairs
Blog article
For perineal specialist midwife Malene Hegenberger, a challenge encountered repeatedly in practice became the starting point for a new innovation in postpartum care. After finding it difficult to achieve a clear view and maintain access when examining and repairing perineal tears following childbirth, Malene developed the Hegenberger Retractor, a device designed to gently hold tissue…
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PReCePT linked to national levelling up of maternity care
News
According to new research published in BMJ Open Quality by researchers at the University of Bristol, premature babies born across England have more equitable access to a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy, following the rollout of a national care improvement programme that started life at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol. Premature birth…
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New evaluation explores impact of the Hegenberger Retractor in improving repairs for childbirth-related trauma
News
In partnership with Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, we have published a new real-world evaluation examining the implementation of an innovative device designed to optimise the repair procedure for women and birthing people after childbirth. The evaluation focused on the Hegenberger Retractor, a unique, flexible tool designed to provide steady retraction and support…
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South West leads the way with first regional ABC Intrapartum Fetal Deterioration training
News
Health Innovation West of England has brought together more than 80 maternity professionals and service user representatives from across the South West for the region’s first Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) Intrapartum Fetal Deterioration (IFD) Training Day, supporting safer maternity care through improved recognition, enhanced communication and early escalation. Held at Eastwood Park in Bristol on Monday 29…
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West of England patient safety initiatives shortlisted for national HSJ Awards
News
Health Innovation West of England is celebrating the achievements of organisations across the region after a number of innovative patient safety projects were shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Patient Safety Awards. The annual awards recognise outstanding work to improve patient safety across the NHS, celebrating projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and measurable improvements in the…
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The power of partnership: how collaborative innovation is improving 60,000+ lives in the West
News
We have published our 2025-26 Impact Report, showcasing how collaboration is at the heart of everything we do as a regional network. By bringing together the right people and organisations, including all NHS service providers in the West, three integrated care boards, four universities, charities, VCSE organisations, and the life sciences sector, we have helped…
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Health innovation in action
Blog article
Marking the publication of Health Innovation West of England’s new impact report for 2025-26, our Chair and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, Steve West, and our Chief Executive, Natasha Swinscoe, reflect on a year of transformative progress in embedding innovation into everyday care. Over the past year, Health Innovation West of…
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