In this episode, host and Fuse public partner, Hannah Murray, speaks with Fuse researcher Dr Kerry Brennan-Tovey about the SEAMS study - Supporting Engagement with and Access to Maternity Services. This study explores the barriers that pregnant women on low income face when accessing maternity care.

Together, they talk about what prompted the study, how the research team ensured that a range of people from different backgrounds and experiences were involved in the research, and how the voices of pregnant people were meaningfully integrated into the research. We hear about the importance of public involvement throughout the study and how these insights helped shape the research and inform changes along the way. Kerry and Hannah reflect on what surprised the research team during the study and discuss what’s next for the research.

Kerry also answers the big question: "If you had one message for our listeners to take away, what would it be?" Listen now to find out.

Hannah Murray

Hannah is an expert by experience who has collaborated closely with Fuse and the wider public partner-led podcast planning group in creating the 'Public Health Research and Me' podcast. Her interests and specialised subjects are around public and mental health, parenthood and neurodiversity. She is also the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Manager for the Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation at Cambridge and Newcastle Universities. In her spare time, she visits castles, tries to bake (she admits not always successfully!) and watches Tony Robinson documentaries.

Kerry Brennan-Tovey

Kerry is a Research Associate at Newcastle University. Her current research includes exploring the barriers for pregnant women to accessing healthcare, evaluating maternal healthcare services, tobacco dependence services and vaping. Kerry’s research background is in public health, health sociology and health inequalities, specifically food insecurity. She is also a registered physiotherapist who has previously worked clinically in the North East of England.

Resources

Fuse⁠ - https://fuse.ac.uk

Supporting engagement with and access to maternity services - NIHR School for Public Health Research

Barriers to accessing maternity care in England - NIHR School for Public Health Research

Public involvement and community engagement within the SEAMS study - NIHR School for Public Health Research

Follow Fuse:

Bluesky: @fuseonline.bsky.social

X: @fuse_online

LinkedIn: Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health

Contact for more information, or a copy of the transcript: ⁠⁠⁠info@fuse.ac.uk⁠

With special thanks to the Fuse podcast group; Sarah Longman (editing) and Shaun O'Boyle (training). Produced by Ella Anderson and Mark Welford. Music: Tuesday (Glitch Soft Hip-hop) by amaksi.