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London midwives win national award for mental health work

on 07 May 2020 RCM Midwifery Perinatal Mental Health Maternal Mental health Awards RCM Annual Midwifery Awards

Two midwives who improved care for women with severe perinatal mental health needs have won the Excellence in Perinatal Mental Health Award in the RCM’s Annual Midwifery Awards. The award comes during Maternal Mental Health Week from 4 to 10 May.

Michelle Harrison and Olivia Snowball from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, developed teams to care for women with serious mental health issues such as bi-polar and personality disorders. The care is ‘wrapped around’ the women to ensure they know their midwives, who lead on ensuring the women can get access to other health and care professionals throughout and after their pregnancy. Many visits are in the women’s homes helping them to feel comfortable and safe, and the teams also support women in acute mental health facilities.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said:

“Mental health is just as important as physical health and this worthy project ensures that pregnant women with mental health issues get the choices, care and support they need. it places women right at the centre of their care, organising services around them. It is empowering women and having a really positive impact on their care and the choices they have about their pregnancy and birth. A really great project and Michelle, Hannah and the teams are worthy winners of this award.”

The RCM is announcing the RCM award winners in the week in which International Day of the Midwife is celebrated on 5 May, and during International Year of the Midwife.

 ENDS

To contact the RCM media office call 020 7312 3456 or email.

Notes to editors

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the RCM Annual Award event due to take place on 5 May was cancelled. For more information on the RCM Annual Awards visit http://www.rcmawards.com/awards-day.

For information on Maternal Mental Health Week visit https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week-2020/.

The 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 website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

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