Migrant Women & Ethnic Minority Group Experiences Project
Welcome to the Migrant and Ethnic Minority Experiences Project at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
We are delighted to launch this important initiative, dedicated to enhancing and advancing the level of care provided to migrant and ethnic minority women accessing our maternity services.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance maternal and perinatal health outcomes for migrant and ethnic minority women. Data and documented experiences consistently highlight a troubling pattern: these groups face disproportionately high rates of poor health outcomes due to systemic barriers. We are committed to addressing these challenges directly and creating a healthcare environment where every woman receives equitable and compassionate care.
Why This Project Matters
Ireland’s population is diverse and continually evolving. Our maternity services must evolve too, reflecting and addressing the needs of all communities. This project aims to break down barriers and foster a healthcare environment that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive.
What We’re Doing
Our project brings together a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, patients, community representatives, and researchers. By collaborating closely, we will work to:
- Identify and address system-level barriers to care.
- Develop and implement quality improvement interventions.
- Create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all patients.
Our Goal
The goal of our project is to ensure that every woman, regardless of background, receives equitable and compassionate care. We are committed to creating lasting improvements that benefit both the individuals receiving care and the broader community.
The Project Team
Our project is driven by the principles of co-production, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We believe in breaking down barriers between those conducting research and those implementing changes. To achieve our goals, we have formed two key groups, each playing a crucial role in the success of this initiative.
Learning Collaborative
The Learning Collaborative is at the heart of our project. This dynamic team brings together service providers, managers, and representatives from patient and community groups. Their primary mission is to design and implement quality improvement interventions with support from our research team.
Who’s in the Team?
- System Leaders: Clinical leads and senior managers who provide strategic direction.
- Technical Experts: Specialists in IT and operations who ensure that our solutions are practical and sustainable.
- Day-to-Day Service Leaders: Frontline staff, including administrative professionals, midwives, nurses, and obstetricians who bring real-world insights.
- Minority Population Representatives: Individuals who ensure that our interventions are inclusive and equitable.
This team is crucial for the project’s success. They act as champions, bridging communication between various disciplines and populations. We carefully recruit key staff and community representatives to ensure that everyone is committed to the project’s goals.
Research Team
Our Research Team is comprised of:
- Quality Improvement Expert: Professor John Browne (School of Public Health, University College Cork)
- Clinical Leadership: Professor John R. Higgins (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork)
- Statistical Experts: Dr Paul Corcoran and Dr Joye McKernan (National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork)
- Project Management: Ms. Louise Riordan (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork)
- Quality & Safety Manager: Ms Aideen Quigley (NWHIP)
- Postdoctoral Researcher: Dr Laura Cronin (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork)
Stay Connected:
We look forward to sharing updates and progress as we move forward with the Migrant and Ethnic Minority Experiences Project. Thank you for your interest and support in making a positive difference in maternity care.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about this project, email: MEMProject@ucc.ie