The maternity team at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has been honoured with the prestigious Maternity Stream of Sanctuary Award. The award from Maternity Stream of Sanctuary recognises their continuous efforts and improvements in providing care for pregnant asylum seekers. It is widely reported that migrant women in the UK frequently encounter poor maternity outcomes, such as increased rates in miscarriages, stillbirths, birth trauma, and maternal mortality.
The panel expressed being "blown away" by the team's application. On Monday 20 May 2024, the team were presented with the award at a celebration at East Surrey Hospital attended by some of the women and their babies, as well as our local partner agencies.
The Trust's Director of Midwifery, Rosemary Idiaghe said "We are delighted to receive this award which is a testament to our unwavering commitment to reducing inequalities in maternity as aligned with NHS" England's Equity and Equality plans for mothers and babies."
