Nottingham student midwife scoops national award
on 09 November 2021 RCM Annual Midwifery Awards Student midwives Education
A student midwife who attended the University of Nottingham and described as a ‘fantastic leader and role model’ has gained national recognition for her efforts supporting other student midwives.
Beatrice Bennett took the Pregnacare Student Midwife of the Year award at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) annual awards on 27 October. She was nominated for the award by one of her lecturers and fellow students from the university midwifery society, of which she is President.
Beatrice qualified as a midwife shortly after being nominated for the student award and is now working at a trust in Birmingham. She is also studying for a masters degree in public health at the University of Warwick.
On receiving her award Beatrice said: “It is an absolute honour to receive this award. I would like to thank everyone at the RCM and Pregnacare vitamins, as well as my wonderful lecturers and fellow students at the University of Nottingham. I feel very privileged to have worked alongside and supported my colleagues on our journey into the midwifery profession. I will continue to advocate for and celebrate the contributions of student midwives and promote improvements to maternity services for both my colleagues, and the women and birthing people we support.
“I would also like to congratulate the amazing student midwives shortlisted and nominated for this award, and all the other RCM award winners. It was a fantastic event to celebrate the midwifery profession.”
Her colleagues praised her for for her dedication and inspiration to student midwives. Beatrice’s long list of achievements includes leading many successful events, fundraising initiatives, social activities and study days, along with organising conferences and outreach work in schools. She championed the development of the university’s midwifery curriculum on behalf of students and was integral to improving the university’s student to staff feedback process.
Susanne Bisinotto, for Pregnacare vitamins said, “Beatrice is being recognised as Student Midwife of the Year as she consistently demonstrates leadership, care and commitment in seizing opportunities to make a positive impact for others, all whilst studying to become a midwife. She is an inspiring role model. Congratulations Beatrice!”
Her work on behalf of student midwives has also taken her abroad and she sits on the editorial board of an international midwifery journal. She has worked to improve access for non-mobile midwifery students, and has presented at conferences on her work, including the RCM’s education and research conferences. Beatrice was also recently asked to become a trustee for a charity working to improve women’s’ experience of maternity services.
Helen Rogers the RCM’s Director for Wales and lead on student midwife issues said: “What Beatrice has achieved in her time as a student midwife is simply remarkable. She has shown incredible determination, leadership and concern for the welfare of fellow students, and this is recognised by her student colleagues and across the university and beyond. She is a real ambassador for the profession and with students like Beatrice we know its future is in good hands. I congratulate her on getting this very well-deserved award.”
ENDS
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Notes to editor
For more information on the RCM awards and the full list of winners visit RCM Awards 2021.
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 website RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.