Health, Care or Voluntary Sector Role: Advanced Public Health Officer
Supporting Organisation: Norfolk County Council, Public Health Team
I am an Advanced Public Health Officer working in the Public Health Team at Norfolk County Council. I completed a Midwifery degree at the UEA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing and an Masters of Science in Public Health Nursing MSc at the University of Suffolk. I compile evidence reviews and write Joint Strategic Needs Assessments on a variety of public health topics in the Policy and Prevention Team, along with other tasks. My main areas of interest are maternal and infant health, and healthy weight.
I have always had a strong interest in statistics and research, and using this knowledge to improve early prevention. During my previous training and practice as a midwife and health visitor I became aware of the high numbers of women with obesity during the antenatal period, and the health complications that can arise from this, for both mother and baby. This has remained an area of interest for me, and continues to be a health priority for Norfolk and Waveney. I am hoping that my research will inform of the best approach within this area.
About Teresa's fellowship project
Title: What are the most effective methods for addressing obesity in early pregnancy?
Recent data shows that obesity in early preg continues to be an area of public health concern for Norfolk and Waveney, with numbers continuing to increase. Our 'Obesity All Ages Needs Assessment' highlighted some emerging questions in this area that we do not have the answers to.
Currently, the lack of consensus makes it difficult to inform an approach on healthy weight management during preg for those with obesity. As seen in the evidence-base and in practice, it is also a difficult topic for health care professionals to approach, and to advise on. The aim of this project is to be able to better inform of the best approach in regards to healthy weight management in the antenatal period.
Teresa's Supervisor: Dr Clair Thompson, University of Hertfordshire
Contact Teresa: teresa.gibbon@norfolk.gov.uk