The Elizabeth Bryan Multiple Births Centre (EBMBC), a collaboration between Birmingham City University and the Multiple Births Foundation (MBF), will carry out research into all aspects of multiple births.
The Multiple Births Foundation was founded in 1988 and is to date the only charity internationally that employs healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting multiple birth families and educating and advising professionals about their special needs.
The new centre will also provide training courses for healthcare and allied professionals, and work with practice-based partners in the West Midlands to develop health and social care services in order to meet the needs of these families.
In 2015, 11,073 mothers in England and Wales had a multiple birth, equating to 16 out of every 1,000 women, compared to 10 out of every 1,000 in 1985.
However despite continuously increasing numbers of multiple births over the past 30 years, there is still limited research on the impact a multiple birth may have on a family.
The centre has been named in recognition of the pioneering work of Dr Elizabeth Bryan, founder of the Multiple Births Foundation and former President of the International Society for Twins Studies.
Professor Louise Toner, associate dean at the University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, said, ‘We are delighted to be joining forces with the MBF and to be hosting The Elizabeth Bryan Multiple Births Centre, which represents a significant development for both the University and the West Midlands.
‘The Centre will enable us to expand our dedicated research activity in this area and allow us to work more closely with our practice-based partners in the West Midlands to capitalise on the extensive expertise that will now be available.’
Based at the University’s City South campus in Edgbaston, it will be jointly led by the Multiple Births Foundation and Birmingham City University.
Merryl Harvey, reader in nursing at the university, and co-lead of the centre, said that the joint research programme into the impact of multiple births and the needs of multiple birth families would provide an evidence base for practice both within the UK and internationally.
‘This will inform the development of resources for families, service providers, key stakeholders, researchers, and the wider public.'
‘In addition, our specialist education programme will now include a range of Birmingham City University-based courses and online training for health and social care professionals involved in the care of these often neglected families.'
Jane Denton, director at the Multiple Births Foundation, and co-lead, said, ‘We are very excited about our collaboration with the University. The MBF has already built up a great deal of evidence and experience over almost 30 years of working directly with families with twins, triplets and more, while Birmingham City University has a national reputation in the education and training of healthcare professionals.'
‘By combining our expertise, the new Centre will be able to equip professionals to provide the optimum care that these families need. We can’t wait to get started!’
