Trust named ‘Site of the Month’ for groundbreaking stop smoking trial in pregnancy

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised as ‘Site of the Month’ in a national research study helping pregnant women and birthing people to stop smoking, thanks to their outstanding work in recruiting participants and supporting the trial. 

The Trust is part of an innovative clinical trial investigating new ways to support pregnant women and birthing people in using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches, to quit smoking. The study aims to improve how NRT is used in pregnancy, making it more effective and accessible as a safer alternative to smoking.

NRT contains nicotine but is free from the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. It can reduce cravings and make it easier for women and birthing people to stop smoking - one of the most important steps they can take to protect their baby’s health. The NHS already offers NRT for free to pregnant women and birthing people, and this trial is testing whether new approaches to using it can further improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Tracey Benn, Research Midwife and Principal Investigator for the study at GWH, said:
"Stopping smoking in pregnancy is one of the most important steps someone can take to protect their baby’s health. This study gives us the opportunity to explore new ways to make that process easier and more effective for our patients."

So far, 13 participants have joined the trial, contributing to the Trust’s recognition as the study’s leading site for May 2025. Pictured receiving the Site of the Month certificate are Tracey Benn, Research Midwife, and Sandy Brock, Health in Pregnancy Advisor.

This trial is one of 122 active clinical studies currently underway at the Trust, supported by the Research and Innovation (R&I) team. Over the last few months alone, 133 new participants have been enrolled in clinical studies, and six new trials have been launched. These include new research in Neurology & Stroke, Obstetrics, Maternity & Neonates, Paediatrics, Renal, and Rheumatology.

The R&I team continues to play an important role in bringing innovative, high-quality research opportunities to patients and advancing healthcare across Swindon and beyond. Their work ensures that GWH remains at the forefront of research that improves patient outcomes and transforms lives.