A specialist midwife at Jersey General Hospital has won a national award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for her outstanding contribution to perinatal mental health care.
Perinatal mental health midwife Josephine Lane was named winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Perinatal Mental Health category at the RCM Awards ceremony in London on Friday 6 February.
Josephine was recognised for transforming how maternity services support women’s emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth, helping to ensure that women feel heard, supported and safe at every stage of their maternity journey.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “A key part of Josephine’s work has been tackling stigma and making it normal to talk about mental health in maternity care. By building conversations about emotional wellbeing into routine appointments and touchpoints, Josephine has helped more women feel able to speak up early – and access the right support sooner.
“Her work is a powerful example of compassionate, woman-centred care in action. By normalising conversations about mental health, improving early identification and building confidence across the maternity team, she has made a real difference to women, families and colleagues alike.”
Josephine has also strengthened the service’s approach to identifying risk, developing a consistent screening and assessment process used from booking through to postnatal care. This includes a practical psychosocial risk tool that helps midwives spot factors such as previous mental ill health, trauma, domestic abuse or a lack of support networks – enabling early referral and clearer care planning.
Alongside her work with women, Josephine has delivered impactful training for midwives, maternity support workers and students, using real-life learning and lived experience to build confidence and improve care. Colleagues describe her as a trusted source of guidance – “the glue that holds services together” – and a calm, knowledgeable presence in complex case discussions.
Josephine’s influence also extends beyond the hospital. She has worked with community organisations to reach women who may be less likely to engage with mental health support, improving awareness and helping remove barriers to access so that care is fair and inclusive.
Ros Bullen-Bell, Director of Midwifery for Health and Care Jersey, said: “Jo’s dedication to perinatal mental health has had a profound and lasting impact on the women, babies and families we care for. Her compassionate leadership, specialist expertise, and unwavering commitment to improving pathways of support have transformed the experience of those navigating some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. We are immensely proud of Jo, and I am delighted to see her outstanding contribution recognised in this way.”
The prestigious RCM Awards are held annually and honour outstanding individuals in maternity care who have made a positive impact on women, babies and their families, showcasing world-class midwifery standards.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Josephine is pictured centre with, from left, RCM President Sophie Russell, awards host Suzi Ruffell, RCM Head of Professional Policy and Practice Clare Livingstone, and RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton.
- To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk
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
