Two midwives have been presented with a prestigious national award in recognition of going above and beyond in their roles.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s recruitment and retention midwife Sharon Parker, of Kirkby, and lead professional midwifery advocate Julia Andrew, of Newark, received the Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award from Sascha Wells-Munro, deputy chief midwifery officer for England.

The award is made to recipients who have demonstrated excellence in clinical practice, leadership resulting in improvement, and championing diversity and inclusion.

The pair were nominated by the trust’s consultant midwife Gemma Boyd and director of midwifery Paula Shore.

Sharon has been responsible for recruitment and retention since February 2022 and successfully recruited into all vacant posts for newly-qualified midwives. All still work for the trust, apart from one who has relocated to a different area.

Gemma said: “At a time when the greatest challenge to maternity services is the retention of midwives, Sharon is a fine example of how to create a safe, nurturing environment for newly-qualified midwives, allowing them to flourish even in challenging working conditions. She is their champion and cheerleader.”

Sharon added: “It means so much to win this award. I’m so passionate about midwifery and to have the opportunity to support newly-qualified midwives within the trust means the world to me.”

ABOVE: Julia Andrew, Paula Shore and Sharon Parker.