A maternity support worker at Ormskirk Hospital has received a coveted national award for her “passion and commitment to providing the best possible patient care.’’
Siobhan Fitzgerald received the Chief Midwifery Officer Award from Dawn Meredith, Deputy Divisional Director of Midwifery at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, after being nominated by a colleague.
The Chief Midwifery Officer Awards were developed to reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by midwives and maternity support workers in England and their exceptional contribution to midwifery practice.
An extract from Siobhan’s nomination reads: “I have never known a colleague so keen to learn more and without the work ethic she brings to the Trust our midwives, who constantly say how fabulous she is, would be lost.
“Siobhan is dedicated to going beyond her call of duty to provide the best individual care for each and every patient and does this with compassion and empathy.
“The whole maternity unit is behind this nomination because Siobhan needs to know the difference she has made to the quality of care we provide.’’
Upon receiving her award, Siobhan said: “I’ve worked at the Trust for 16 years and never been as happy as I am in this role. I love the job and I love the team I work with. I see it as a privilege to be a part of many families’ journeys and to get this award is really special.’’
Dawn Merdith said: “We are very proud of Siobhan and pleased that she has received recognition for her hard work and dedication.
“These awards are really difficult to attain and I am so pleased for Siobhan. She really deserves it.’’
Claire Matthews, Regional Chief Midwife for NHS England North West, said: “These awards celebrate Maternity Support Workers who go beyond their everyday roles to provide excellent care, leadership and inspiration to their colleagues, mothers, babies and their families.’’