FRIDAY 24, NOVEMBER, 2023

Photograph attached: L-R Midwives Heather Cairney and Madeline McInally, nominators Elaine Hewitson and Christopher Hewitson with baby Struan, Midwives Laura Paterson and Michelle Carter

Arbroath Community Midwifery Unit winners in UK MUM Awards

Midwives from the Angus Community Midwifery team were presented with a Baby Lifeline UK MUM (Maternity Unit Marvels) Award by Elaine Hewitson who gave birth to baby Struan at Arbroath Community Midwifery Unit earlier this year.

The team were recognised as the Scottish regional winners having been selected by a prestigious judging panel made up of professionals across the maternity and neonatal sector including Dame Ruth May, Dr Ranee Thakar and Donna Ockenden.

Elaine and Christopher Hewitson who nominated the team for the award visited the Arbroath Community Midwifery Unit earlier this week with baby Struan to present the midwives with the award.

The charity launched the awards in May this year by inviting families to share their experiences of difficulties occurring in pregnancy and birth, where, thanks to the exceptional care of their maternity healthcare professionals, there were successful outcomes. The awards are designed to recognise the best in the UK and to give families an opportunity to thank their maternity and neonatal teams.

Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of NHS Tayside Board said, “I am delighted to see the hard work of the Arbroath community midwives be recognised on a national scale. They certainly go the extra mile in their job. This award demonstrates their commitment to delivering a high level of patient-centred care.”

Nominator Elaine said, “I really can’t thank the Angus birthing team enough, especially those who were working that day.

“It might have been an everyday thing for them but for me, my husband and my baby it was totally alien and they made sure we were informed and cared for throughout.”

Founder and Chief Executive of Baby Lifeline, Judy Ledger said, “This winning story demonstrates the ultimate in teamwork and dedication. I’d like to congratulate these midwives for all their continued hard work.

“It is obvious from the story shared and from speaking to the family that this teams special efforts to take care of them and their baby will never be forgotten.”

Lesley Sharkey, NHS Tayside Director of Midwifery said, “I am delighted for the Angus midwifery team achieving such a prestigious award, especially being the Scottish winners. 

“I want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to the team who continue to provide high quality midwifery care for families in the area.”

Contact:

Abigail Reid

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716