A “patient and compassionate” maternity support worker from University Hospitals Dorset has won a coveted award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), recognising the importance and value of her role in providing holistic care to women and their families.
Kerry Horley, who was described as a “quiet leader” by her peers, recently took on the role of assistant practitioner in the Trust, leading on maternity support worker (MSW) development. She was also recognised for developing this role significantly, taking the lead for training within the maternity section.
Kerry has advanced the local maternity induction programme for new MSWs joining the Trust and has been working closely with the recruitment and retention midwife to find ways of attracting and keeping new MSWs.
At the awards ceremony in London on 18 October, the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said: “By working with new MSWs, Kerry empowers them to be able to provide the best care possible. She recognised there was a gap in their knowledge and skill set due to not having a local breastfeeding lead, so she reached out to the local university to provide this training.
“She works hard to ensure the new starters are equipped with all the training and skills they need to perform their job effectively, reviewing them regularly, supporting with probationary reviews and assessing their care certificate and maternity passport skills.
“Kerry is a shining example in the way she actively seeks out learning opportunities and grabs them with both hands to develop herself in order to fulfil her job role and exceed expectations.”
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.
