National report highlights the role of PERIPrem in improving care for babies born prematurely
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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
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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
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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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PReCePT linked to national levelling up of maternity care
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Black Maternity Matters opens 2026 Anti‑Racist Leadership Development Programme
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Senior NHS and health and social care leaders across the West of England are invited to join a new cohort of the Black Maternity Matters (BMM) Anti‑Racist Leadership Development Programme, running from July to November 2026. This programme is part of Black Maternity Matters, a cross‑organisational anti‑racism collaborative launched in 2021 to address the racially…
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Celebrating six years of success: colleagues gather for PERIPrem anniversary
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On Thursday 7 May 2026, colleagues from across the South West region gathered at the Somerset Cricket Ground in Taunton to celebrate the six-year anniversary of the PERIPrem (Perinatal Excellence in Reducing Injury in Preterm birth) programme. The event was an opportunity to share best practices, learn from experts, and recognise the outstanding achievements of…
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