Diane Hele, midwife of 51 years at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, among those recognised at Hannah Seeley awards
A midwife who has worked at a hospital for 51 years and was described as a ‘true icon’ was among those recognised at an awards ceremony.
Diane Hele was named as West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s Midwife of the Year at the event on Friday.
Her nominators highlighted her five decades-plus of service, dedication to midwifery, being a strong advocate for women and providing exemplary care.
The awards are in memory of Hannah Seeley, a midwife at the trust who died in 2012.
Every September, the trust holds a ball in her name, followed by the awards in November.
Diane said: “Working at the West Suffolk Hospital is very important to me, as it has given me the career that I would not change for the world.
“I feel honoured to have received this award having been nominated by my colleagues, and in memory of Hannah Seeley, who I worked with as a student and newly qualified midwife who I will never forget.”
Kate Jones, a maternity care assistant, was crowned Support Worker of the Year. She joined the trust in October last year and works in West Suffolk Hospital’s antenatal clinic.
Kate was nominated for her kind, friendly and hardworking attitude.
She said: “I love being involved in the care of the ladies and families and being able to provide reassurance and support to them at a vulnerable time. I love to learn and feel like I learn something new every day.
“I feel very grateful for this award. I have really tried to learn as much as possible and be an effective member of the team.
“It’s amazing to be recognised by my colleagues.”
The Student Midwife of the Year award was won by Claire Jones, who was nominated for being an ‘exemplary student midwife’ who is ‘a pleasure to work with’.
She said: “I feel honoured to be nominated by my colleagues for this award.
“I’m loving completing my training at the trust and I look forward to completing my degree in 2025 and becoming a fully-fledged midwife.”
The My WiSH Charity paid for the catering and the awards.
At the ceremony, dozens of staff members working at the Trust’s maternity services, along with its senior leadership team, enjoyed the refreshments as the trophies were presented.
The winners were nominated by their colleagues.
Karen Newbury, director of midwifery at the trust, said: “Each year, we look forward to continuing Hannah’s memory through the balls and these awards.
“Diane, Kate and Clare have been exemplary – we are lucky to have such experienced, dedicated midwives like Diane, who are passing on their experience to the next generation of midwives and support workers like Claire and Kate.”
Next year, the numbers of awards will be expanded to include all staff groups within the maternity and neonatal teams.
