Breakthrough research using umbilical cord donations at Wirral maternity unit
Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) has joined forces with laboratory specialist BioGrad to support an exciting new research project that could help transform the future of regenerative medicine and cancer care across the UK.
The initiative, now available through WUTH’s maternity service, is inviting pregnant people to donate their baby’s umbilical cord after birth. These cord blood and tissue samples will be used in ground-breaking research into a wide range of health conditions, including infertility, endometriosis, leukaemia, arthritis, premature ovarian failure, and degenerative diseases of the brain and eyes.
All donations are completely safe, non-invasive, and anonymous. One of BioGrad’s experienced nurses or midwives collects the cord after delivery, with no impact on birth or postnatal care. Donated samples are then preserved in BioGrad’s secure Biobank for use in ethically approved medical research.
Angela Kerrigan, Consultant Midwife and Senior Research Leader Programme for Nursing and Midwifery at WUTH, said:
“We’re proud to be part of this forward-thinking initiative with BioGrad. The partnership reflects our wider commitment to supporting research that improves outcomes for patients here in Wirral, as well as across the UK and beyond.
“Donating an umbilical cord is a simple and generous act which could help unlock the next generation of treatments for a range of serious conditions.”
Each month, BioGrad collects between 90 and 130 umbilical cords from NHS trusts across the North West. These donations are already supporting national research projects in areas that have historically been underfunded and under-researched, such as women’s health, childhood genetic disorders, and cancer.
Dr Natalie Kenny, CEO of BioGrad, said:
“Too many conditions that affect women and families have been under-researched for too long. But through this programme, we have a real chance to change that.
“By supporting the collection and storage of umbilical cords, WUTH is playing a vital role in research that could benefit future generations. We’re encouraging eligible families to join us on this journey and be part of something truly impactful.”
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said:
“I’m delighted that WUTH has partnered with BioGrad on this study. They are making real strides in regenerative medicine and cancer research.
“The umbilical cord initiative is one of more than 40 active research studies currently underway at WUTH across multiple departments and specialties. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, clinical trials, and patient-led research at our trust.”
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Photo: (left to right) Dr Angela Kerrigan, Consultant Midwife and Senior Research Leader Programme (Nursing and Midwifery), WUTH; Hannah McGowan, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Biograd; Claire Allerton, Clinical Services Manager, Biograd.