12 April 2024

A York midwife has been praised for her dedicated attitude by England’s Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer at NHS England which has led to her receiving a national award.

Midwife Sharon Pratt was presented with the highly coveted silver award in a surprise ceremony.  Sharon’s colleagues at York Hospital nominated her for the silver award after she was the key to ensuring a stressful delivery followed the care plan, for a patient that had complex needs.

The award recognises the vital contribution of midwives in England and their exceptional support to patients by exceeding what is expected of them in the role.

Throughout, Sharon demonstrated her dedication to excellent patient care, and for providing support to her colleagues.

Speaking at the ceremony this week at York Hospital, Sharon said: “Receiving the award was a complete surprise. I thought that I was just going to a meeting with my colleagues!  But it is a lovely surprise and I feel very honoured to have been presented with the award.

“My award is also a badge, so I will wear it with pride while I am at work. The best part is knowing I was nominated by my close colleagues here on the unit, because of course I work as part of a team I would not have achieved this honour without their help and support. So, I would like to also thank everyone else in the maternity unit. It is wonderful to feel appreciated by your colleagues.”

Although Sharon’s colleagues nominated her, she was selected for the prestigious accolade by Jess Read, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer at NHS England who surprised Sharon with her award whilst on duty.

Jess explained: “Sharon’s nomination stood out because it was clear that she had gone above and beyond in her work with a complex case and supported a woman and her family, and with staff on how to best provide care to the patient. I am delighted to present the award and thank you to all the staff who nominated her.”

Sascha Wells-Munro OBE, Director of Midwifery at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s great that Sharon has been recognised by this award and it is a real acknowledgment of the services that she provides for women and the support that she gives the team. I am sure we will see many more of our staff receiving these awards in the future.”