Leading midwifery educator, Dr Helen Bedford awarded national honour

on 28 March 2023 RCM Maternity Services MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Midwifery RCM Fellowship Education Research

A midwife who developed a system for pregnant women to hold their own maternity records has been honoured with a Fellowship from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM for her contribution to midwifery. Dr Helen Bedford received the award at the RCM’s Education and Research Conference in Birmingham on 28 March.

Dr Bedford has shown a commitment to clinical education, first in nursing and then midwifery, throughout her career. Her doctorate explored the learning experiences of undergraduate nursing students and newly qualified practitioners.

Some of her many key achievements include leading midwifery education at various higher education institutions and contributing to the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) funded Maternity Care Assistant preparation programme.

Currently Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an experienced external examiner for midwifery, Dr Beford heads a collegiate midwifery team within the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York.

Dr Helen Bedford said: “I am honoured and privileged to receive this Fellowship from the RCM. Throughout my career I have worked with many inspiring people looking to improve maternity education and maternity services across UK. The RCM has always been there, helping, advising and supporting me  throughout my journey - that's what makes this Fellowship so special for me, thank you.”

Rebeccah Davies, President of the RCM, said: “Helen has shone as a leader in midwifery education. She has achieved so much throughout her career, and we in the profession are grateful for the work she has done and what she has achieved and for women. She thoroughly deserves this Fellowship.”