We’re proud to announce that Professor Lelia Duley of Nottingham University, one of our research collaborators, has been honoured by Bliss, the premature and sick baby charity, for her work to improve the early care given to babies born very prematurely (before 32 weeks) and their families.
Professor Duley, who is Director of Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Nottingham, received the Bliss Advancing Care through Research award in a special ‘thank you’ ceremony held at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Home and Garden Show.
A special, engraved glass memento commemorating her achievements was presented to her by Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Davey in front of an audience of specially invited guests.
Professor Duley has led pioneering research looking at the early care for very premature babies, including pioneering care at birth being carried out beside the mother, as well as research to find out when is the most beneficial time to clamp the baby’s umbilical cord after premature birth.
This is an excellent example of patient involvement in research, and the difference it can make to families.
She and her team have worked in partnership with Bliss and NCT to ensure that the voices of babies and families were heard and put at the centre of this project.
Gill Gyte, service user representative at NCT said: “This award is so well deserved. Lelia Duley’s leadership has enabled myself, on behalf of NCT, and Bliss to contribute fully to this important pre-term birth research project on behalf of parents and families.
We were able to contribute to the design of the research to make sure it was acceptable to families and worked for them, often in difficult circumstances.
All-in-all, this is an excellent example of patient and public involvement in research, and the difference it can make to parents and families.”
The main research findings are now due to be presented at a symposium on 1 November at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham. Bliss and NCT have helped to plan the symposium, at which Bliss’ Head of Services Zoe Chivers, and a parent representative will be speaking.
Professor Lelia Duley said: “Research must address the needs of babies and their families. Working with parents and families is therefore essential if we are to do the best research. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Bliss and NCT, and a great honour to receive this award.”
Sarah McMullen, Head of Research at NCT added: “It’s fantastic to see the importance and value of public and patient involvement in research being recognised by this award from Bliss. Parents and carers bring a unique perspective to research, through their personal knowledge and experience.
Active involvement of service users can contribute in many ways, through the insight they bring to the design and implementation of research. Lelia Duley shows such commitment to this in her management of research around premature birth.”
Congratulations to Professor Duley!
