In a significant recognition of their dedication to inclusive care, the Maternity team at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health Award.
This honour comes on the heels of the team being the first in the country to receive the Maternity Service of Sanctuary Award from City of Sanctuary, highlighting their commitment to providing compassionate and responsive care to some of the most vulnerable women in the community.
The Health Inclusion Midwifery Service was born out of a need to better serve the large number of local asylum hotels and Afghan Resettlement accommodations within the trust's area. By first gathering data on the maternity outcomes of women seeking asylum and engaging in focus groups with these women, the team was able to design a service that is truly coproduced with those it aims to support.
The project has not only reduced Did Not Attend (DNA) rates, but it has also created a space where women who have experienced significant trauma feel they have professionals they can trust. Midwives have also found the service has supported their ability to deliver woman-centred care, especially when caring for women seeking asylum.
The success of this project has been made possible by the strong partnerships formed with local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), as well as external agencies like the local authority. These collaborative efforts have ensured the service is not only sustainable but also deeply rooted in the needs of the community it serves.
Tina Hetherington, Chief Nurse at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments, she said:
“This recognition from the Royal College of Midwives is proof of the incredible work our maternity team has done to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, receive the care and support they deserve.
“The Maternity Stream of Sanctuary award and now this shortlist for the RCM underlines the impact of their dedication and innovation. I am incredibly proud of the team and look forward to celebrating their continued success”.
The RCM Awards, which will take place in October, have been celebrating excellence in the midwifery profession since 2004 and are regarded as one of the highest accolades within the field. With a record number of entries this year, making the shortlist is a considerable achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the SASH midwifery team.
