A Maternity Support Worker at Southmead Hospital has received a Chief Midwifery Officer Award in recognition of her compassionate care.
Bereavement Support Worker Carole Phelps was presented with the award by NHS England’s Regional Chief Midwife for the South West, Helen Williams.
Carole has been part of the North Bristol NHS Trust Maternity Bereavement Support Team for a year, having worked on Central Delivery Suite since 2019.
The team supports families experiencing pregnancy loss at any gestation, stillbirth and neonatal death. They also run a Rainbow Clinic for people who are pregnant again following a previous loss.
She was inspired to apply for the role after caring for a bereaved family and wanted to be able to support others going through a bereavement.
Carole’s nomination, which was submitted by Bereavement Support Midwife Emily Arnold, talked about the holistic support she offers to all members of families who suffer the loss of a baby, taking beautiful photos of babies for families and finding helpful resources. It mentions her consideration of the women under her care and the support she provides for siblings.
Emily’s nomination said: “Carole has ensured our maternity Bereavement Suite is well-stocked with sibling packs, storybooks and workbooks for children of different ages and has spent time going through these resources with other children when they visit relatives experiencing pregnancy loss.
“Many bereaved families have expressed how helpful this has been for their children.”
Carole said that she spotted the need to provide resources for siblings soon after she joined the bereavement team and she researched information and items to create packs that children of different ages can use.
Carole said: “I was utterly blown away to be nominated and receive the Chief Midwifery Officer Award.
“I am passionate about my role and feel it is such a privilege to support and care for families when they suffer the loss of a baby. For me it is so important to ensure that we offer the chance for the whole family to make everlasting memories of their babies and that includes siblings, grandparents, and other relatives as appropriate.
“It means so much that my colleagues nominated me for this award, especially as it is such a prestigious award, only presented to a handful of Midwives & Maternity Support Workers across the South West.”
North Bristol NHS Chief Nursing Officer Prof Steve Hams said: “It was wonderful to welcome Helen Williams to Southmead today to present Carole with her award.
“Providing compassionate care is a core value of the NHS and something we are passionate about at NBT. It is fantastic to see Carole’s commitment to women and families in our care being recognised in this way. Well done Carole.”