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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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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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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Celebrating midwives driving safer care across the West of England
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Today, on International Day of the Midwife, Health Innovation West of England is proud to celebrate and thank midwives across our region for the expertise, compassion and commitment that underpin safer pregnancies and births for all. This year’s theme, ‘one million more midwives globally’, highlights the urgent need to expand the workforce to improve access…
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Sharing innovative approaches to reducing perinatal health inequalities
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On Wednesday 14 January, our Regional Perinatal Equity Network hosted its latest online event, bringing together healthcare professionals and advocates from across the South West to share learning and collaborative strategies for addressing inequalities in maternity and neonatal care. Chaired by Ann Remmers, Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead at Health Innovation West of England, the…
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Ann Remmers receives OBE in New Year Honours for services to maternal and neonatal care
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We are delighted to announce that Ann Remmers, Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead at Health Innovation West of England, has been awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for services to maternal and neonatal care. Ann Remmers, who last year was…
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Black Maternity Matters statement: National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation Interim Report
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The Black Maternity Matters Collaborative welcomes the publication of the National Maternity & Neonatal Investigation Interim Report and strongly supports its call for urgent, systemic action to tackle racial inequities in maternity and neonatal care. The findings continue to reinforce what communities and professionals across our region have been highlighting for many years: that women,…
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