Perinatal Institute wins Queen's Award

The work of the Perinatal Institute has been recognised by a coveted Queen's Award for Enterprise.
The award was received for excellence in innovation, in recognition of the development and implementation of safer methods for monitoring fetal growth during pregnancy.

The computer generated, customised GROW chart is able to predict the optimal growth in each pregnancy, thereby increasing the confidence of midwives and doctors when assessing the growth of the baby. As a result, they can intervene more quickly when there is concern, while being better able to reassure mothers when everything is progressing normally, thereby reducing unnecessary interventions.

The application is provided as part of a national programme focussing on stillbirth prevention, called the Growth Assessment Protocol. GAP has been taken up by 120 NHS Trusts to date, and has led to the recent drop in stillbirth rates in England to lowest ever levels, representing 500 fewer deaths each year.

‘We welcome this award as an acknowledgment of the efforts of the many hard working clinicians who provide a personalised and hence safer service for expectant mothers. We are grateful to the judges for recognising this work, as it highlights the need for NHS commissioners and providers to maintain the focus on prevention and continued enhancements in the quality and safety of maternity care’.