A dedicated midwife and research champion based at the Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR), part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, who has spent almost five decades transforming healthcare, has been honoured with a prestigious national award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to midwifery research.
Viv Dolby received the surprise Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for being instrumental in establishing research infrastructure across Yorkshire and beyond.
“I could have had a heart attack when it was announced,” Viv laughed, reflecting on the surprise presentation. “But when I began to sit back and think about it, I felt such humility and happiness. I’m nearly at 50 years in the NHS and I still enjoy what I do.”
Viv Dolby
Viv’s journey began with a childhood ambition to become a nurse. In August 1975, just days after turning 18, she left her home in Preston, Lancashire, to begin her general nursing training in Leeds – a journey that marked her first time ever catching a train or leaving Preston.
“My mother insisted I came to Leeds to do my nursing because I should leave home like she did and get a very good nursing training,” Viv recalls. “When I came for my interview in Leeds, that was the first time I’d ever caught a train. What a journey it was.”
Throughout her career, Viv has been a pioneer in establishing research opportunities for midwives. She recognised early on that there were “only three career pathways” available – clinical, education, and management – and worked tirelessly to create a fourth path through research.
One of Viv’s greatest sources of pride and joy has been the opportunity to mentor and support staff throughout her career. She has been instrumental in developing the next generation of research leaders,
Viv continues to work in patient safety improvement, bringing together all the skills and experience she has accumulated over five decades. Her journey from a young woman taking her first train journey to becoming a nationally recognised research leader exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, innovation, and mentorship in healthcare.
The NIHR Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition for someone who has not only advanced midwifery research but has fundamentally changed how research is embedded within NHS maternity services. Her legacy will continue through the research infrastructure she established and the countless professionals she has inspired and supported throughout her extraordinary career.
Hear more about Viv’s story here: https://youtu.be/oOqPy52XRao