Kate Stringer, a dedicated midwife at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), has secured a prestigious new role with the International Confederation of Midwives, based in the Hague, Holland.
The role as a Midwife Advisor will see Kate collaborate with global partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA), and midwifery associations worldwide. Her work will align with the sustainable development goals of gender equity, focusing on increasing access to quality midwifery care across low, middle and high-income countries– reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and ensuring a physically and psychologically safe birth for all.
Kate’s journey at SASH began in 2020, a time marked by unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her dedication and vision, she transformed adversity into opportunity, significantly advancing women-centred services at the Trust.
One of her standout achievements was the introduction of a Breech Service in September 2020. Developed with fellow colleagues, this service provides enhanced options and safety for women with breech pregnancies. Since its inception, it has supported women and families in making informed choices about their birth options and has seen the Trust become a leading referral centre across the South East.
Kate also teamed up with the Trust’s research department in 2022 to form a dedicated midwifery research team. Under her leadership, the team launched several high-quality, evidence-based research programs, making space for midwives and doctors to deliver leading maternity research studies, in turn, improving services for women and families.
Kate’s commitment to global health was further demonstrated in 2022, when she led a team of senior midwives from SASH on a pioneering visit to India. The visit saw SASH colleagues spending two weeks sharing their maternity expertise with their counterparts in India as part of a six-month support program, delivering hands-on training in antenatal exercises, bereavement, and how to advocate for expectant mothers and build confidence for challenging situations.
Later in the year, Kate and colleague Sarah Prime, received the Chief Midwifery Officers Silver Award from the now former Chief Midwifery officer at NHS England, Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, recognising the skills, expertise and enduring compassion that modern midwifery represents.
Adding to her impressive list of accomplishments, Kate recently graduated with a Master’s distinction in Global Maternal Health from City University.
Rosemary Idiaghe, Director of Midwifery at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “While we will miss Kate's invaluable contributions at SASH, we are immensely proud of her achievements and excited about the positive change she will bring in her new role.
“Her legacy of innovation and dedication will continue to inspire us, and we look forward to seeing the incredible difference she will make worldwide”.
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