OUH midwife chosen for national research leadership programme

An Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) midwife has been appointed to a prestigious national programme aimed at fostering a culture of research amongst nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Dr Claire Clews, Divisional Lead for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals' (NMAHP) Research and Innovation in OUH’s Clinical Support Services and Corporate Divisions, was selected for the National Institute of Health and Care Research's (NIHR) Senior Research Leader (SRL) Programme for nurses and midwives and allied health professionals.

The aim of the three-year programme is to allow SRLs to use their knowledge and personal experiences to “lead, empower and motivate others to participate in research-related activities that improve patient care”.
The funding from the NIHR will allow Dr Clews protected time for research for two days a week to lead the development of research awareness and engagement within the professions.

Dr Clews said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been given this award by the NIHR. I’m passionate about supporting OUH nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in research.

“As an SRL, I will be expected to continue to lead and advocate for the development of research capacity for NMAHPs in the Trust. But I will also join a national community of SRLs and I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and share knowledge and experiences with colleagues from across the country, and to work with them on developing initiatives related to national research goals.”

OUH's Director of NMAHP Research and Innovation, Professor Helen Walthall, said: “We are delighted for Claire. This appointment is well deserved, as successful candidates have to demonstrate excellence in leading research, fostering collaboration and generating innovative ideas. Claire has all of these qualities, and this award will enable her to further support and develop a more vibrant research culture among NMAHPs at OUH.”

Dr Clews is the first OUH midwife to become an SRL. She follows Professor Walthall and two other OUH Divisional NMAHP Research and Innovation Leads, Dr Louise Strickland and Dr Clair Merriman, in being appointed to this NIHR role, demonstrating the Trust’s commitment to promoting a research culture in these groups.