Midwife and doctor win national maternity award for dedicated care
A midwife and a doctor working at Southend Hospital’s maternity unit have won a national award for the exceptional kindness they gave to a patient.
Sydney Wakefield, Midwife, and Miss Yee Yin Chan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, won the award for ‘Supporting women with their mental health’ at the UK Maternity Unit Marvels (MUM) Awards, run by the charity Baby Lifeline.
Sydney and Miss Chan cared for Abi Leonard at Southend Hospital. Abi was nervous about pregnancy, especially with twins, and was worried about her mental health.
Abi was reassured by Sydney and the maternity staff at the hospital and said: “I spoke to Sydney and she instantly made me feel like we could manage it. She spent hours discussing birth plans with me, helped me understand the process, and spoke to me over and over again to help ease my anxiety. She was so incredibly patient, calm and informative, when I was struggling.”
Dr Chan worked with Sydney to arrange a safe and successful caesarean delivery, and Abi praised the pair for her exceptional experience both during the pregnancy and afterwards at the hospital.
Never forgetting that continued advice and support, when Abi became pregnant again, she went straight back to Dr Chan and Sydney, knowing no matter what arose during the pregnancy she would be looked after.
Sydney said: “We were just kind, and we didn’t do anything different beyond being there for Abi. We put a lot of effort into her care and had long conversations which really reassured her.
“What I would say to any women and birthing people is don’t be afraid to ask for help or for adjustments from your clinicians. We are here to support you throughout your pregnancy.”
Dr Chan said: “Every patient has a story behind them, and we need to listen to them, talk through any options and support them with the right adjustments. If you have questions about your pregnancy care, help us to help you by letting your clinician know your needs.”
The award was handed to the pair by Call the Midwife’s Linda Bassett at an awards ceremony in the historic Palace of Westminster in London.