Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit hub for Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has joined forces with Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, as the University of Oxford takes on leadership of the UK’s largest programme dedicated to understanding and preventing miscarriage.

The Trust’s Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Rose Hill will act as the clinical hub for Tommy’s in Oxford, with additional miscarriage support clinics being introduced across OUH to expand care for women and families affected by pregnancy loss.

The existing recurrent miscarriage service at Rose Hill will continue to deliver world-class care for individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss, now enhanced by additional support from Tommy’s research nurses, midwives, and clinical fellows.  

Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, established in 2016, brings together leading researchers and clinicians to improve understanding of why miscarriages happen and how they can be prevented. Its work has already shaped national guidance, including the landmark PRISM trial, which led to updated NICE recommendations on the use of progesterone for some women experiencing early pregnancy bleeding.

Dr Pedro Melo, Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine, has been appointed Clinical Lead for the Tommy’s Centre for Miscarriage Research at Oxford.

He said: “I am delighted that the OUH Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at Rose Hill will act as the clinical hub for Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research in Oxford. This is an important step towards improving care and support for women and families affected by miscarriage.”

Yvonne Christley, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: “Expanding our services to further support those affected by miscarriage is a fantastic development, and we look forward to working in partnership with everyone involved.”