The work of our Clinical Academic Doctoral students has been highlighted recently in the latest edition of 'VISION', the research community news magazine from NIHR CRN Wessex.

Under the guidance of Professor Vanora Hundley and the Wessex Integrated Clinical Academic Training
Scheme at Bournemouth University, supported by the NIHR, registered midwives Vanessa, Rebecca and
Dominique are championing midwife-led research.

Through the Clinical Academic Doctorate, their time is split between research (60%) and clinical practice (40%) giving them the opportunity to balance both. Professor Hundley and the midwifery team at Bournemouth University identified that the latent phase of labour presented a challenge when it comes to caring for women in labour. With so many variables, potential different outcomes and guidelines it became an area of focus to identify whether changes could create better results for mothers and babies. Here, Vanessa, Rebecca and Dominique talk to us about the research they are doing and their hopes for the futures of women, midwifery and the NHS.