Midwives tipped for award

Two midwives from Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust have been shortlisted for an award recognising innovations that could transform the NHS.

Specialist Healthy Lifestyle Midwives Carolyn Garland and Alison Williams support pregnant women in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw to improve their eating habits and begin gentle exercise during their pregnancy.

They work particularly with women who struggle to maintain healthy eating habits and are therefore at increased risk of developing complications during pregnancy or needing to have their babies by Caesarean section for medical reasons.

The service launched three years ago in Doncaster but proved so successful it has now been rolled out across Bassetlaw.

Carolyn said they were thrilled to have reached the finals of the awards.

“Our work is about supporting pregnant women in a sensitive and non-judgmental way to make lifestyle changes that will enable their babies and them to enjoy a healthier pregnancy and the best possible start in life,” she said.

“We are really pleased that the judges felt it was an innovation that could work elsewhere in the region as well.”

Carolyn and Alison will find out whether they have won at an awards ceremony in Wakefield on 11th October.