A “kind and compassionate” midwife from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has won a prestigious award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for showing true inclusivity and respecting cultural differences as she works to ensure the psychological safety of vulnerable colleagues.
Josephine Oamen, a senior clinical midwife at UCLH, was lauded as the Race Matters Unsung Hero for being a true example of kindness and compassion, honesty, inclusiveness, courage and having the ability to communicate effectively with members of staff of all levels and disciplines.
She was noted for her initiative in bringing about change to improve the maternity service at UCLH and “not running away from difficult situations, but rather being an example of leadership as an RCM representative and a senior clinical midwife”.
At the awards ceremony in London on 18 October, the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said: “Josephine has taken the initiative to raise the profile of the staff network for ethnic minority staff and makes a real difference to colleagues’ working lives. She has qualities for others to aspire to, including the ability to sensitively encourage and manage staff who are losing their passion for midwifery due to the problems in the workplace such as the severe staffing crisis.
“In her day-to-day work, she keeps to the highest clinical standards and is always concerned with the wellbeing of the families in the Trust’s care and devoted to staff wellbeing. She teaches by example and by her diligence and commitment to the midwifery profession.”
The RCM award, sponsored by Birthing And Maternity Education Online: Birthing With Colour, recognises the contributions of unsung heroes without thought of recognition; who deliver exemplary service delivery or education that promotes collaborative, culturally sensitive working and ultimately higher standards of care for all service users.
Edwin Lampert, Founder of Birthing And Maternity Education Online: Birthing With Colour, said: “We are proud to support the recognition of Josephine Oamen as an unsung hero. Her dedication to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity exemplifies the values we strive to promote in maternity care, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.”
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk
Notes to Editors
- For more information on the RCM awards visit here: https://www.rcmawards.com/
- Individual media releases on each winner or winning team available on request, email media@rcm.org.uk.
About the RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.
