Wednesday – What an amazing day.

Way back in 2019 a consultant at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital, talked to me about a research project. She and I are / were, both Trustees at Bladder Health Uk, the charity dedicated to helping patients navigate their way through the nightmare of bladder issues.

As a result of that conversation I was introduced to Laura Jones at the University and started to be involved in research as a patient.

The Covid years put everything onto Teams, Zoom, etc and even without actually coming to Birmingham we shared not only work, but laughter and chatter. Last year we even went to Barcelona to present the research poster for CPOP the feasibility study into women’s prolapse study. A sensitive and necessarily important topic particularly for older women. That said we could laugh and chatter away from it all and especially in a Spanish restaurant my brother had recommended. Indeed my Spanish was not up to the job so I rang my brother in UK to speak to the waiter. Goodness knows what was said. But we had an amazing meal. The bill was… er amazing too as in huge. But we had fun.

Today then, was Laura’s inaugural lecture as Professor of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Women’s Health Research

The huge lecture hall filled with family friends and colleagues were treated to the ‘story’. Where it all began, at school, at Loughborough, South Africa and now Birmingham.

A story which emphasised the need to listen. Research into stopping smoking in the homes of young children, research into FGM, the CPOP study’ and so much more.

A short extract I wrote is here: Laura establishes a massive connection with leaders in the field of women’s health. The ability to work with patients and establish the value of their opinions is rarely achieved. But Laura sorts it. The intricacies of sensitive gynaecology procedures for women is the basis of the patient advocacy work I have been involved in. Laura has the ability to explain complicated research methodology whilst also listening to the detailed “lived experiences “ of real patients going through real procedures. This is no easy feat. 

For me personally Laura’s coaching and mentoring process, to assemble patient groups, chair patient advisory groups and even speak out in ethical reviews. I am a maths teacher first and foremost, patient advocacy and co – production is secondary to all my previous experiences. Who else but Laura to support me in this endeavour.  

Congratulations and thank you.

Not only but also my daughter was also at Loughborough and then Birmingham. Our favourite pub the Plough at Harbourne which is indeed where we celebrated with Laura afterwards. A truly brilliant day.