معرفی
Helen Bedford is Professor of Midwifery at the University of York's Faculty of Science, with extensive leadership experience including Director of Midwifery Education and Lead Midwife for Education. Her career bridges clinical practice (NHS Grampian midwifery roles), national policy development (Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record), and academic innovation in midwifery education.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD, University of East Anglia
- PGCert Higher Education Learning and Teaching (Distinction), Robert Gordon University
- BSc (Hons) Midwifery Studies (First Class), University of Bradford
- BSc (Hons) Nursing Sciences (First Class), University of Hull
- NMC Registered Lecturer/Practice Educator
Bedford's research centers on qualitative methodologies applied to midwifery education, maternity care, and professional development. Key interests include communication skills training using simulation, perinatal mental health, internationalisation of curricula, and sensitive topics like female genital mutilation. Her work consistently addresses student well-being, professional identity formation, and innovative teaching approaches in healthcare education.
Recent publications (2021-2023) reveal strong emphasis on digital learning tools (podcasts, apps), perinatal depression interventions, and communication skill development. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across mental health, technology, and midwifery fields while maintaining focus on student and practitioner experiences through qualitative lenses.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Midwives (2023)
- Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
As an active PhD/Masters supervisor, Bedford contributes to national midwifery initiatives through external examiner roles (Huddersfield, Hertfordshire, Northumbria), membership in the UK Network of Professors in Midwifery, and mentorship via the RCM Turning the Tide platform. Her grant-related work includes the Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record development and Maternity Care Assistant programme.
She leads York's midwifery team and serves as Baby Friendly Initiative Lead, while developing simulation-based learning tools and interprofessional education frameworks with social work colleagues.
