New role to improve pre-conception care for women

Health programs for women planning a pregnancy will be improved thanks to a joint appointment by the University of Queensland and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

UQ School of Nursing and Midwifery Director of Research Associate Professor Fiona Bogossian said researcher Dr Karen New’s appointment as Midwifery Clinical Academic Fellow recognised for her experience in perinatal care.

“Dr New’s clinical expertise in preterm birth and early detection of at-risk mothers will significantly contribute to developing systems that will reduce poor birth outcomes for these women and their babies,” she said.

“The role will support the transition from clinical nurses and midwives to research training with the UQ School of Nursing and Midwifery,” she said.

UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) Director Professor Murray Mitchell said Dr New’s work would enrich research at UQCCR.

“Dr New’s clinical expertise means that she is well positioned to contribute to the development of multidisciplinary pre-conception clinical service in UQCCR,” he said.

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Director Tami Photinos said the appointment would improve Women’s and Newborn Services programs.

“This important collaboration between UQ and the RBWH on the Herston Campus also represents an exciting opportunity for the development of the midwifery and nursing workforce,” Ms Photinos said.

“Encouraging midwives to develop their skills through research and further education will enhance the skill set of the midwifery workforce, leading to improved health systems and services,” she said.

The position is jointly funded by Queensland Health’s Office of Health and Medical Research and The University of Queensland.

Dr New graduated from UQ with BN Hons (1), was Valedictorian, completed her PhD and has recently been awarded a Deans Commendation for Research Higher Degree Excellence.