National honours for Stockport NHS midwives

NHS midwives in Stockport have received national honours for their profession at the Chief Midwifery Officer awards.

Two individuals and one team were each presented with the awards at Stepping Hill Hospital with a visit to from Sascha Wells-Munro (pictured, second from right), the Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, representing the profession across the country.

Community midwife Kristy Franklin (pictured, fourth from right) received the Gold award, and divisional director for midwifery and nursing Sharon Hyde and the perinatal mental health midwifery team each received the Silver awards, for their outstanding dedication.

The Chief Midwifery Awards are new honours from NHS England to recognise significant and outstanding contributions made by midwives in England, and their exceptional contribution to midwifery practice.

Kristy Franklin was presented with the highest Gold award for her exceptional efforts caring for refugee mothers and mothers-to-be in Stockport, many of whom had suffered terrible traumas on their journeys to the country. Kristy led colleagues in working beyond their usual workload, in addition to their usual duties, supporting them with great compassion.

Sharon Hyde (pictured, sixth from right) was presented with the Silver award for her strong leadership of fellow midwives at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in both the hospital and the community, helping to introduce improved outcomes and enhanced standards of safety. 

The perinatal mental health team were presented with their silver award for their innovative efforts supporting the wellbeing of those who are pregnant, including the encouragement of exercise, and engaging with partners through the Dad Matters group.

Nic Firth (pictured, sixth from left), Chief Nurse for Stockport HS Foundation Trust said:

“The Chief Midwifery Officer awards celebrate the very best in midwifery care across England, and so it is very fitting for Kristy, Sharon and the Perinatal Mental Health Team to receive them, representing as they do the very best qualities of those in the profession. We were delighted that Sascha Wells-Munro, Deputy CMO visited us in person to present the awards, and we are very proud of them all.”