Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh visited UCL’s EGA Institute for Women’s Health to see first-hand the cutting-edge science which is improving outcomes for women and babies.
The Duchess was shown around the Institute by its director, Professor Anna David.
She met some of the researchers working at the Institute including Dr Emily Cornish, a Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, for a live demonstration in one of the institute’s laboratories.
Dr Cornish’s research focuses on Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis (CHI), a rare condition where immune cells attacking the placenta cause pregnancy loss.
The Duchess looked through a microscope at some placental tissue and then saw on a laptop the difference between diseased tissue and what a normal placenta looks like.
Dr Cornish told her about a process used to determine levels of protein in a sample which may identify diagnostic markers for CHI.
The visit was organised by charity Wellbeing of Women, which funds vital research to find new cures, tests and treatments to save and change the lives of women, girls and babies. The Duchess is Patron of the charity and Dr Cornish has received one of their scholarships.
Professor David, who leads the women’s health theme in the National Institute for Health and Care Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, said: "We are incredibly proud that the Duchess of Edinburgh is taking an interest in the cutting-edge work carried out by our brilliant academics.
"We are also deeply indebted to Wellbeing of Women for the support they are giving our scientists to carry out that work and build on our rich history of health innovation which makes a huge difference to women’s lives."
The visit showcased projects that span the life course from menstrual health and pregnancy complications to cancer and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The Duchess spoke about her own work to support women who have experienced sexual violence and met an FGM survivor, Deena, who sais she had FGM when she was 10 years old and reconstructive surgery years later.
The Duchess, who hugged Deena after hearing her story, said: "It is women who perform FGM, which is so heartbreaking."
Reconstructive surgery for FGM is not currently provided on the NHS meaning many UK-based FGM survivors seek treatment abroad. Existing research suggest the surgery may relieve pain and improve sexual function and quality of life, but their findings have been inconclusive. Miss Almadori’s research aims to address this, the hope being that the NHS might then consider providing it.
The Duchess also met Francesca Liasides, who shared her powerful story of enduring 14 pregnancy losses due to CHI before accessing the research-led treatment developed by Dr Cornish and her team. Francesca now has two thriving children thanks to this work.
The Duchess hugged Francesca and thanked her for her work with Dr Cornish and her team.
She said: "I am so glad that you now have children and I am so sorry for your loss because each pregnancy loss must have been so hard."
The Duchess also met other Wellbeing of researchers working across a broad spectrum of women’s health issues, including Dr Aurora Almadori, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon and UCL honorary clinical lecturer (Division of Surgery & Interventional Science) who is leading research into surgical reconstruction for survivors of FGM.
The Duchess spoke about her own work to support women who have experienced sexual violence and met an FGM survivor, Deena, who told of her of her experience of having FGM when she was 10 years old and having reconstructive surgery years later.
The Duchess, who hugged Deena after hearing her story, said: "It is women who perform FGM, which is so heartbreaking."
Reconstructive surgery for FGM is not currently provided on the NHS meaning many UK-based FGM survivors seek treatment abroad. Existing research suggests the surgery may relieve pain and improve sexual function and quality of life, but its findings have been inconclusive. Miss Almadori’s research aims to address this, the hope being that the NHS might then consider providing it.
Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Chair of Wellbeing of Women and Women’s Health Ambassador for England, said: "Research is the engine that drives real progress in women’s health.
"For more than six decades, Wellbeing of Women have pioneered this, funding innovation that has saved and transformed countless lives.
"Today’s visit highlights the incredible impact of these discoveries and the importance of continued investment in the fight for women’s health equality."
During her visit, the Duchess also met two more of the institute’s researchers, Dr Anna Keegan and Dr Ellie Chilcott.
Nick Hodgson
Tel: 07769 240209
Email: nick.hodgson@ucl.ac.uk
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
