Two medical students based at Royal Cornwall Hospital are delighted after receiving an award from The British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society, following their research on pregnant women with heart problems.

Amy Hough and Luke Tanner, who are part of Exeter University Medical School, took on this research with Dr Aylur Rajasri and Dr Graham Stuart, in response to statistics showing cardiac disease as being the commonest cause of maternal death in the UK. The research looked at how a Combined Obstetric Cardiology service provided by Consultant Obstetrician, Aylur Rajasri and visiting Bristol cardiologist, Dr Graham Stuart can improve patient care and save money by holding conveniently located, joint clinics.

Previously, expectant mothers with known heart conditions would have been expected to travel to Bristol to attend a clinic for observations on their baby and themselves. However, Dr Aylur Rajasri and Graham Stuart worked around to set up  a combined monthly obstetric cardiology clinic for women to attend. A comprehensive care plan is derived for rest of pregnancy and delivery.