A maternity support worker at PAHT has been awarded the Chief Midwifery Officer Award under the ‘working together for patients’ category.
Orla Piggott, maternity support worker, was surprised with a special awards presentation on Tuesday 2 July, with Wendy Matthews OBE, chief midwifery officer for the East of England, and the midwifery senior leadership team at PAHT.
The Chief Midwifery Officer Awards were developed to reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by midwives and maternity support workers in England and their exceptional contribution to midwifery practice.
An extract from Orla’s nomination reads: “Orla has successfully set up an infant feeding café for women, birthing people and families in the local area. The café is a safe place to seek professional advice, as well as peer support.
“Orla has made a real difference to the families in our community and has brought our team together to provide this care.”
Upon receiving her award, Orla said: “I was completely taken by surprise by Wendy’s announcement that I had won the Chief Midwifery Officer Award.
“I love my job and would be happy to do it forever. I hope to develop the infant feeding café further by creating an outside space for families to use during the summer months.
“I am honoured to have been recognised and will wear the medal with pride. Thank you.”
Linda Machakaire, director of midwifery, gynaecology and assistant chief nurse, said: “We are very proud of Orla and pleased that she has received recognition for her hard work and dedication.
“The infant feeding café has been a huge success and is valued by families in the local community. Orla’s vision and passion for this safe space has inspired colleagues to continue to support this venture and to help develop the space further.
“Well done Orla and thank you for all that you do.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive at PAHT, said: “Our maternity support workers are the backbone to maternity care. Not only do they support the whole team, but also women and people throughout their maternity journey.
“It is a joy to see her valuable contribution and passion for infant feeding care recognised nationally. This is a fantastic achievement, well done Orla, you are a credit to PAHT.”