IWD 2025 | Meet the research team helping to improve health outcomes for women
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to support International Women’s Day 2025. The theme this year is Accelerate Action which emphasises the urgency of advancing gender equality and we are highlighting the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Team.
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Team is committed to improving health outcomes for all women and birthing people, through innovative research and clinical studies.
The team is made up of a range of experienced and talented professionals who are passionate about improving and developing practice, with women at the very heart of their work. From research into maternal sepsis, high blood pressure and bleeding during childbirth to endometriosis, cancer and robotic surgery — the team is working hard to improve healthcare for women through all stages of life.
Dr Sarah Bell is an obstetric anaesthetist and has a special interest in women’s health. She works as both a consultant anaesthetist and clinical researcher and has been involved in women’s health research for the last 10 years.
She says: “The reason I love research so much is because it’s a way of trying to do things better. Doing research means you’re always learning and thinking about the best ways of doing things for your patients.
“A key theme of our research is improving care for everybody. We know women and birthing people from minority populations have different outcomes in terms of childbirth statistics and something that we’re very keen to do is improve outcomes for everybody.”
Hannah Ritter has been a midwife for 11 years and involved in research since 2021.
She said: “Women’s health has been a really under-represented area in research so it’s great to now be part of lots of research studies which are really women focused. A lot of evidence has been quite historical, so being part of innovative projects has been really great.”
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Team Lead Claire Bertorelli has years of clinical experience working firstly as a nurse before becoming a midwife. She fell in love with research after seeing how she could help contribute on a bigger level.
“The best part for me is helping on a completely different level,” she said. “In research you get to see that you’re improving practice on a daily basis – that’s one of the biggest drivers for me.”
For Sophie Whyatt, trial administrator for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Team, the best part about working in women’s research is “being a part of shortening the gender health gap”.
Sophie plays an essential role within the team, completing background work such as legal documentation and supporting screening processes.
“Being a part of research for women across their lifespan is amazing to be part of – and it’s so interesting on a personal level as well,” she said.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the dedication and incredible work of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Team serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact research can have on improving health outcomes for all.