UHNM Hero Award Winner: Sharon Seadon
A community midwife from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) who was described by a patient she looked after during pregnancy as a “committed, caring supportive midwife”, and “credit to the NHS”, has received praise for her care.
Sharon Seadon, who has worked in the community for 18 years, was presented with a UHNM Hero Award following a nomination by new mum Sophie Jebb Bowman.
Sophie, 32 from Burslem, called Sharon her “absolute hero”, after she provided support and guidance during and after the birth of son Harvey, now six months old.
Sophie said: “I was very fortunate to have such a committed, caring supportive midwife. She was so understanding of my mental health needs and my autism. Each appointment she was always so thorough, professional, and committed to mine and Harvey’s welfare. She was absolutely my hero and a huge credit to the NHS.
“Sharon honoured additional appointments to support my autism and worries over Harvey having low PAPP-A levels. She would offer appointments at similar times so that my husband could attend on his lunch break from work. At every appointment she was very calming, thorough, and reassuring.
“Nearing the end of my pregnancy, I presented with high blood pressure, and Sharon admitted me to the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) at the Royal Stoke. Not long after, I had my baby boy early due to pre-eclampsia. I was apprehensive going into hospital, but Sharon reassured me and positively persuaded me how important it was to go. She essentially saved mine and baby’s life by identifying the pre-eclampsia.
“After Harvey’s delivery, she contacted me to see how we were doing. She ensured that we were receiving the necessary support with breastfeeding and a team came out to see me at home. If it wasn't for Sharon, my breastfeeding journey would have ended.
“Her wisdom, expertise and caring nature really helped me and my baby. When Sharon came to do my discharge, I was so emotional, in a good way, as she had such a positive influence in our journey.
“She is a massive credit to the NHS, and if we all had more Sharon's out there as a midwife, there would be so many happy mums and babies.”
Sharon was presented with her award at the Stoke-on-Trent Family Hub in Shelton, by Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive.
Dr Constable said: “I was delighted to surprise Sharon whilst at work with her well-deserved UHNM Hero Award. These awards are so special, with nominations coming directly from the people we look after.
“Describing her care throughout and after pregnancy, there were many things in Sharon’s nomination that jumped out at me, and I couldn’t have put them better myself.”
Speaking after receiving her award, Sharon said: “I’m feeling absolutely overwhelmed, it’s a huge privilege to be given my award by Sophie. Her nomination has made me realise what an impact my role has on our patients and their families during what is the most significant and special time of their lives.
“Being able to take part in their care is an immense privilege, and it’s phenomenal for me to receive this award which will always take pride of place in my home.
“I’ve been a qualified midwife for 19 years, working in the community for 18 years. Being in the community is what I always wanted to do, I wanted to be part of the patient and their loved-one’s journey, providing support and guidance throughout pregnancy and postnatally.
“The best part is when they are coming to the end of the journey, and you see that, at times, anxious pregnant mum-to-be become that confident assertive mum.”
Sharon was joined by colleagues from UHNM’s maternity services for her presentation.
Jill Whitaker, deputy director of midwifery said, “I’m very proud of Sharon, and the whole community team, for going above and beyond to support Sophie and made a positive difference to her journey.”