UHNM’s Director of Midwifery receives national recognition
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust’s (UHNM) director of midwifery has been presented with a prestigious national award in recognition of her outstanding service to midwifery.
Sarah Jamieson has been honoured with the NHS England Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award following a nomination by UHNM’s chief nurse, Ann-Marie Riley.
Sarah was presented with her award by Alison Talbot, deputy chief midwife for England, during a visit to the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Maternity Centre.
Anne-Marie Riley said: “The Chief Midwifery Officer Award recognises individuals who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, education, research, patient and carer experience, leadership and tackling diversity and inequalities. Sarah’s leadership has resulted in an extraordinary improvement journey in our maternity services. She and her team have improved a broad range of metrics, resulting in a subsequent improvement in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’. Sarah leads with integrity and strives to improve the service for both our patients and team.
“It was with great pride that I was able to share so many of Sarah’s achievements in my nomination that I believed made her a worthy recipient of the award. It was wonderful to see Sarah and the maternity team present their improvement journey to NHS England as part of the visit, and to hear the very kind words from our national colleagues after they visited a number of areas across the maternity unit.”
Sarah said: “To receive this award is an incredible honour, and I feel both humbled and grateful. The whole of the midwifery, neonatal, and gynaecology team plays such a vital role in everything we do, and it’s their dedication and collaboration that have been instrumental in achieving the successes we’ve celebrated. Improving our workforce, governance and culture was only achieved because of the support of specialists and leaders that I have the pleasure of working alongside.
“To be nominated by our chief nurse, makes it even more meaningful, as it reflects not only the collective support and recognition from those I work alongside every day, but also the recognition from UHNM’s executive team and Trust Board who I have worked so closely with them over the last three and half years to bring about real and sustainable change across maternity, neonatal and gynaecology services.
“Alison Talbot was my mentor from over a decade ago when I got my first head of midwifery post, and we've remained close professional friends since. Having her present the award made the moment truly special. I was also deeply touched that Amanda Pearson, my former national team line manager, travelled from the Isle of Wight to attend and share such thoughtful reflections. I will wear my badge with pride.”