Local Research Midwife gains Masters in Midwifery

Heidi Hollands, a Research Midwife based at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, has attained a Master of Midwifery (MMid) qualification.

Heidi was awarded a merit by the University of Sheffield in March 2015. She was encouraged and supported by her team to pursue the course and completed the entirety of the work within her own personal time. Heidi said: “I now have an even better understanding of research and its processes.

When looking at new studies, I have a more critical eye and I can use my enhanced knowledge to look at things from the patient’s perspective. In the future, I now hope to undertake my own research, perhaps as part of a PhD.” Heidi has been involved in research in Plymouth since 2006, when she volunteered to support a Twin Birth Study out of her own time. In 2009 she began work as a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Research Midwife, later expanding her role to cover research in Urogynaecology.

The role has now evolved to include reproductive health studies, giving a rounded view of women’s health studies. In addition to her Masters, Heidi has been successfully appointed to the role of NIHR National Research Midwife Champion, representing the South West at national forums.

The forum allows the sharing of best practice for all elements of reproductive health research as well as creating a network of expertise that Heidi can contribute to and call upon as required. Heidi added: “The personal and professional relationships, which are forming as part of the group, will be invaluable to the advancement of research.”

Sue Stock, Head of Midwifery said: "Heidi has done so incredibly well to achieve her Masters whilst working as a Research Midwife. We are all extremely proud of her achievement. The attainment of this level of academic qualification is demonstrative of the way profession aligns itself to medicine; midwives are the experts in normal maternity care."