Maternal and Fetal Health researchers deliver more than 20 years’ service at CMFT

Two members of the Maternal and Fetal Health research team are celebrating after clocking up 21 years’ service here at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT).

Linda Peacock, Research Midwife, and Christine Hughes, Research Practitioner, picked up their long service awards on Tuesday 18^th October.

Kathy Evans, Divisional Director of the Research and Innovation (R&I) Division at CMFT, said: “I am delighted to hear of the dedication and passion of Linda and Christine for 21 years here at CMFT, and for the last few years as members of the R&I Division. It is fantastic to be able to look back on their careers and celebrate their success, as well as looking forward to the future.”

I wish them both all the very best as they continue to thrive and inspire as members of the Maternal and Fetal Health research team.

Linda’s story

Linda started work at Saint Mary’s Hospital as a newly qualified midwife in September 1995. She explains: “To this day I remember the excitement – and a little trepidation – on entering the first ward of my rotation, SM6. From there, I made my way to every ward until landing as a core member on SM5 which was the midwifery led ward. I met so many wonderful people there. The women came from every walk of life; every culture race and religion. They taught me so much.

“After three years my dream job arrived, community midwife! For the next 12 years I delivered care to women and their families across Central Manchester in their community, working closely with a team of midwives to provide 24 hour care and attending many memorable home births.

“In 2010, we moved from the Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, to the new site and I became a Supervisor of Midwives – supporting and promoting normal birth and safe practice and supporting my midwife colleagues in their practice. I always had an interest in research so took a part-time secondment to the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, Tissue Bank in 2010 to see how research and practice could work together for our women. It opened up a whole new world for me; I really had no idea how much scientific research went on in the hospital; I was hooked!

“For the next 3 years I continued to gain experience in this role until taking up a full-time post in 2013 as a Research Midwife. To this day, the role continues to grow and change. It is challenging, stimulating and I’m always learning. I work with a great team of midwives, clinicians and scientists to improve the care we give to our women and babies.”

From my first day I knew straight away that I would stay at Saint Mary’s. This was my place and 21 years later it still feels the same. I am really looking forward to picking up my 30 years’ service award!”

Christine’s story

Christine also started her role in 1995, as an auxiliary nurse. She said: “I worked on a Gastroenterology ward for two years then moved to general medicine where I completed my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in care. I stayed there until 2011 and after working regular nights for 10 years I decided I needed a change.

“I found a job advertised in the Maternal and Fetal Health department for a health trainer.  The health trainer would support a group of pregnant women to make healthy changes to their diet and increase their activity levels. This was part of a study to see if this group of women, compared with another group, would have better pregnancy outcomes. This career move sounded perfect as I loved to help and support people. I applied for the job and was delighted to be accepted.

“I enjoyed my role as a health trainer but it soon became apparent that I was interested in research as a whole. I was extremely privileged to be asked to apply for the Band 5 Research Practitioner role in 2012 and I have been here ever since, working with a fantastic team.”