Midwives at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) have been shortlisted for three prestigious national Royal College of Midwives (RCM) awards.
The nominations are particularly special as 2020 has been designated the international “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” by the World Health Organisation.
The shortlisted entries are in three categories – the Caring for You Award, the Team of the Year Award and the RCM Leadership Award.
The Caring for You Award acknowledges the outstandingly positive and supportive culture across the entire team, formed over years of listening, providing support and recognition to our staff, to help them provide the best possible care for the women we look after. This was brought into sharp focus last year, after the tragic sudden death of one of the Trust’s community midwives, Steph O’Kane.
The Phoenix Team, up for Team of the Year, is the Trust’s dedicated team of specialist midwives who work specifically with vulnerable women and families for example those who have been victims of domestic abuse, those with mental health issues, or learning disabilities.
And Trish Ryan, the Head of Midwifery at the L&D for six years, is up for the RCM Leadership Award – having been put forward by her team, in recognition of her outstanding leadership – her passion for midwifery, for the women in her care, and her empowering approach.
Our Midwifery team has been shortlisted for three national awards
Liz Lees, Chief Nurse at the L&D, said: “We are extremely proud of our maternity team for the superb service they provide to women in the local area and it is great to have their achievements recognised at a national level.”
The winners will be unveiled in a ceremony in London on 5 May – the International Day of the Midwife.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, added: “The standard has been incredibly high and to get this far is an outstanding achievement. I wish the L&D midwifery team the best of luck at the awards ceremony in May on International Day of the Midwife.”
The RCM Awards reward, celebrate and share outstanding achievement in midwifery across the UK. They recognise the best new evidence-based practice projects and the best in team working and discover outstanding individuals making a difference for women, families and the newborn.
For more information on the awards visit the RCM website https://www.rcmawards.com/