OUH Maternity Support Workers receive NHS England Chief Midwifery Officer Award

Congratulations to Sasha Summers and Emma Dunn, Maternity Support Workers at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), on recently receiving the NHS England Chief Midwifery Officer Award.

Kaye Wilson, NHS England, South East Regional Chief Midwife, presented the award at a long service ceremony at OUH. The award recognises the significant contributions of midwives and maternity support workers.

Sasha also received a long service award along with other MSWs at the ceremony, with the Maternity department recently giving out 40 long service awards on various occasions.

In the nomination for Sasha, Carole Maycock, one of our community midwives, said: "Sasha has been a community MSW for 20 years. 

"She is always happy, enthusiastic, and encouraging. She really looks after the students. 

"Sasha is kind, friendly, and empathetic. She is patient and compassionate when patients and their families need it most.

"Many women remember Sasha's help and talk about her fondly during their subsequent pregnancies, and are keen for her help again."

Sasha said: "I wasn't aware that I was being awarded, so it was a delightful surprise. I feel very honoured to receive the NHS England CMidO Award, along with the Long Service Award, and I am touched by the nomination. I am committed to continuing to put in my best effort to support the women in our care and my team. I am really grateful for such recognition."

In the nomination for Emma, Louise Grensted, one of our community midwives, said: "Emma is hardworking, passionate, empathetic, and goes above and beyond in all aspects of her work.

"Emma joined the team in April 2022. Her everyday positive energy and can-do attitude has lifted morale. She approaches her workload pragmatically and passionately, always ensuring that women's care is at the centre.

"This is demonstrated in the local Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT) clinic she manages. She will arrive early to ensure preparation is complete before patients arrive, and she extended the clinic to ensure women receive care locally, rather than travelling to hospital.

"She will look ahead and assess the team's workload and staffing, and invite women into her clinic to complete babies' weight and feeding assessments/support. By doing, this, she reduces and shares the team's workload, and also reduces travelling time for patients. If they can't attend, she will visit them at home when capacity allows.

"The team receive continued positive feedback from women who have been cared for by Emma. 

"She actively manages the stock and collects it – on one occasion, we were short-staffed and Emma volunteered on her day off to help collect.

"Emma always has a smile on her face and is a pleasure to work with, she is an asset to the team and a great colleague!"

Emma said: "It was such a sweet surprise and a lovely nomination. It is heartwarming when you go about your routine and your colleagues and the people in your care not only notice the small gestures, but also take the time to acknowledge and appreciate them. Receiving this award is a remarkable and absolute honour."

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH said: "Congratulations to Sasha and Emma for winning this prestigious award. We are so proud of both of them and all our MSWs who received Long Service awards. It is important to recognise the positive feedback our maternity colleagues receive - we are grateful for the dedication and commitment from  all of our maternity staff."

Kaye Wilson said: "Every piece of feedback matters, and the positive nominations that acknowledge going the extra mile and these awards to celebrate that are equally important. The work the midwives and maternity support workers do here at OUH is vital, and these awards are a testament of their dedication and commitment. It was a pleasure to not only award Sasha and Emma, but to also see other MSWs receiving long service awards."

Thank you, Sasha and Emma, and all our MSWs for all that you do.