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The Multiple Births Foundation is an independent charity based at Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea
Hospital in West London. A vital resource to professionals and families alike, it aims to improve the care and
support of multiple birth families through the education of all
relevant professionals.
 Tribute to Dr Elizabeth Bryan
Dr Elizabeth Bryan, Founder and Director of the Multiple Births Foundation until 1998 and then the inaugural President, very sadly died on Thursday, 21st February 2008 from cancer of the pancreas.
A consultant paediatrician at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital from 1979, her interest in twins was aroused by the delivery of two boys with what is now known as twin-to- twin transfusion syndrome. Elizabeth went on to study the placenta in multiple pregnancy and through her contact with over 100 parents of twins also learnt about the practical, emotional and social difficulties experienced by so many of them.
Determined to help these families, she co-founded the Twins and Multiple Births Association in 1978 as a support network for parents, but gradually came to realise that, in addition to this invaluable service, there was also urgent need for an organization directed specifically at increasing understanding and skills in the various educational, health and social care professionals involved in the care of these families. As a result, she established the MBF in 1988.
Through her clinical work and exceptional communication skills, Elizabeth became an internationally renowned expert on all aspects of multiple births, inspiring and encouraging multidisciplinary research.
Along with the many others who were fortunate enough to know Elizabeth, we will remember her generosity of spirit, warmth, humour and compassion. A much loved and truly remarkable leader whose wisdom and enthusiasm will be sorely missed, the MBF will continue to carry forward her pioneering ideas and work.
A Thanksgiving Service for her life will be held at St James’s Piccadilly in London at noon on Thursday, 15th May.
Articles
Telegraph
Independent
The Times
The Guardian
Elizabeth Bryan Memorial Fund
Donations in Elizabeth’s memory will be shared between the Multiple Births Foundation and TAMBA (cheques made payable to Elizabeth Bryan Memorial Fund c/o Judy Gowing, 51 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London SW13 9RZ. CAF cheques should be made payable to either The MBF or TAMBA). For on-line payment details, please email Judy for details (judygowing@blueyonder.co.uk).
The Multiple Births Foundation
(MBF) was founded in 1988 by Dr Elizabeth Bryan MD FRCP FRCPCH,
an international expert on multiple births and past President of
the ISTS (International Society for Twin Studies). Internationally
unique, the work of the MBF generated interest in the UK and abroad
and the Foundation has become an international authority on the
care, development and special problems of children born as twins,
triplets or more. Jane Denton RGN RM became the Director in 1999.
MBF staff are:
Jane Denton RGN RM - Director
Margie Davies RGN RM - Midwifery Liaison Officer
Rosie Ticciati RGN HV - Health Visitor & Person Centred
Therapist
Lisa Clifford - Administrator
To
see the latest MBF Annual Report please click here
There are over 9,000 multiple
births each year in the UK. The number is increasing with medical
advances, particularly in the areas of infertility and care of pre-term
births.
Most people have little idea
just how demanding multiple birth babies can be. The reality is
that often parents' ability to cope is dramatically reduced by the
problems that accompany having twins, triplets or more.
As a result, the need for the
correct care and support has never been greater and it is our aim
to provide advice, information and support to multiple birth families
and professionals working in the field.
- Mothers may need extra pre-natal
care and monitoring.
- Babies are often born earlier,
or smaller than singleton babies, and are therefore more vulnerable.
- Coping with two or more
newborn babies can seem an overwhelming task, and parents may
need support with caring for the babies.
- Multiples may experience
language delay, behavioural disorders, excessive rivalry or dependency.
The Multiple Births Foundation is a charity
and relies for its income on grants, donations and fundraising activities. |
