Perinatal nurse specialist Helen Jackson recognised as NHS Parliamentary Award regional winner

A perinatal nurse specialist has won a regional award for Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery in the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2024.

Helen Jackson, of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), was nominated for her dedication, passion and commitment to her role.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards were created in 2018 to celebrate the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector.

Helen said: “I’m thrilled to win this award.

“It’s such a wonderful surprise and reflects all the hard work we as a team provide to support women and their families in what is the most amazing as well the most vulnerable time of their life.

“I feel privileged to support women during their antenatal and postnatal care.

“Most of all, the award recognises the value of trauma-informed care and supporting women through this life-changing moment in their lives.”

In the first stage of the awards, MPs nominate healthcare teams and individuals in their local area to highlight their exceptional commitment and achievements working in and with the NHS.

Earlier this year, Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, put forward this nomination to highlight Helen’s contribution to healthcare in the local area and she will now go forward for the national awards later this year.

He said: “I’m delighted to hear that Helen’s tireless commitment has been recognised with an NHS Parliamentary Award for nursing and midwifery.

“Our NHS carers show such dedication every single day, and this award is a fitting testament to Helen’s unremitting excellence in performing her vital role.”

After nominations from local MPs, NHS England regions selected one regional champion in each award category and these champions will now go forward to the national shortlist which can be viewed here: www.nhsparliamentaryawards.co.uk/shortlist/

Earlier today, NHS England announced 10 healthcare initiatives in the East of England that were also nominated alongside Helen.

A panel of national healthcare judges will review the nominees, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 14.