A dedicated midwife and long-standing Royal College of Midwives (RCM) member is celebrating an incredible 50 years in the profession.
Dr Marilyn Rogers MBE, who has worked at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust for more than five decades, marked the milestone last month. An active RCM member for over 30 years, Marilyn has also played a leading role in her local branch, serving as chair of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Branch for the past 26 years.
Marilyn began her healthcare career in the early 1970s, starting a pre-nursing course while studying at St Gregory’s Catholic Church. As part of her A-levels, she spent one day a week at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary before beginning her state registered nurse training in September 1971.
She went on to train as a midwife, qualifying in 1976, and has since devoted her career to supporting women and families – with a particular passion for infant feeding and breastfeeding support.
Over the years, Marilyn has made a lasting impact on maternity services locally and beyond. In 1997, she led Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust on its journey to achieving UNICEF Baby Friendly status, which was awarded in 2004. The Trust later went on to achieve Gold status in 2019 – a reflection of sustained excellence in infant feeding care.
Marilyn also established the Calderdale Baby Café in 2002, providing vital support for parents and babies. The service continues today as an infant feeding clinic based at Calderdale Library. Alongside this, she has led a specialist frenulotomy clinic for more than 11 years, supporting babies with tongue-tie and helping families overcome feeding challenges.
Alongside her clinical work, Marilyn continued her academic journey, completing a PhD and, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the NHS and maternity services, she was awarded an MBE in 2021.
Reflecting on her career, Marilyn says she feels privileged to have supported so many families over the years and is proud of what she has achieved. She credits her success to the support of her family – from her parents in her early years, to her husband Steve, to who she has been married for over 50 years, and their four children and two grandchildren.
Lynne Galvin, the RCM’s Regional Head for the North of England, said: “On behalf of the RCM, I want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Marilyn on reaching this incredible 50-year milestone as a midwife.
“Marilyn’s dedication to women, families and the profession over five decades is truly inspiring. We’re also hugely grateful for Marilyn’s long-standing commitment to the RCM, particularly her many years supporting and leading her local branch. Members like Marilyn are the backbone of our organisation – championing midwifery, supporting colleagues and strengthening our profession.”
