How Wakefield families are helping transform health research for future generations | News

BaBi Wakefield has reached a major milestone, with more than 10,000 participants now helping researchers better understand what influences the health and wellbeing of families across our communities. The study continues to grow every month as more local families choose to take part and contribute to research that could benefit future generations.

Led by Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and partners, BaBi Wakefield follows families from pregnancy onwards to build a richer understanding of health, development and wellbeing over time. By bringing together information from thousands of participants, researchers can identify patterns, gain valuable insights and better understand the factors that help children and families thrive.

Over time, these insights can help shape services and inform research that supports healthier futures for local families. The study also provides opportunities to explore specific health challenges through additional research projects.

One current example is a sub-study exploring the timing of maternal RSV vaccination. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common seasonal virus that can cause serious illness in some babies and young children. By using data gathered through BaBi Wakefield, researchers hope to better understand how families can be protected and how care can continue to improve.

Dr Jonathan Broad, Paediatrician and lead for Childhood Infection and Immunity at Bradford Institute for Health Research, said: “RSV is a common virus that can cause serious illness in some babies, particularly during their first months of life. By working with families taking part in BaBi Wakefield, we have an opportunity to learn more about how maternal RSV vaccination may help protect babies and inform future care. The support of participants is vital in helping us answer these important questions.”

Kerry Reede Field, the Trust’s Director of Midwifery, Children’s Nursing and Women’s Health said: “Every family who takes part in BaBi Wakefield is making a valuable contribution to our understanding of what influences health and wellbeing from the very beginning of life.

“By sharing their experiences, participants are helping us build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing families across our communities. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken part and supported the study so far.”

Judith Holliday, Deputy Director of Research, said: “Reaching 10,000 participants is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the willingness of local families to support research that could make a real difference in the future.

“The scale of the study gives us a unique opportunity to better understand the factors that influence health and wellbeing throughout life. The insights gained will help answer important questions and support the development of services for families in the years ahead.

“The study also provides a platform for further research into issues that matter to families. The current RSV vaccination sub-study, led by Jonathan Broad, is just one example of how BaBi Wakefield is helping researchers answer important questions that could influence future care.”

Families receiving maternity care through Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust are invited to take part in BaBi Wakefield during their pregnancy, helping to create knowledge that could improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across Wakefield and beyond.

Find out more about the BaBi Wakefield study, its impact on health research and how families can get involved at www.midyorks.nhs.uk/babi.