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Plea:
I am one of two Bereavement Support Midwives who work at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and between us we care for and support all the women who suffer a pregnancy loss from approximately 20 weeks of pregnancy. We each work 2 days a week, but choose to leave our phones on 24/7, so the women can contact us at almost any time; we can also visit them at home. I retire at the end of September and am delighted to say I will be replaced and the role will now be full time.
I’ve loved the teaching aspect of my role; sharing my knowledge with other new Bereavement Support Midwives, Doctors, Nurses and in particular, empowering Student Midwives to want to care for bereaved couples. Recently I’ve extended this teaching to include surrogacy and have been privileged to do this with ‘one of my ladies’!
The key part of my role is the clinical care of these families and supporting them on one of the most difficult journeys they’ll ever make. I believe passionately that it’s simply not good enough to accept the improved statistics regarding stillbirth and multiple births, whilst the stillbirth rate has remained virtually unchanged for decades. The research bit of my background has always wanted to find answers for families; I recently took part in the MiNESS study, run by Alex Heazell and am hopeful that the results of that may be significant.
Knowing that the couples have delivered the next baby safely, or sometimes actually delivering that rainbow baby, is an absolute privilege. Many women, their partners and their families have a special place in my head and heart, but Claudia, the lady I’ve nominated for Inspirational Mother, has a huge chunk! I’ve cared for her 3 times, supporting her through the loss of 4 babies, and it is her, and all the other families I’ve cared for over the last 11 years that have made my job so fulfilling.
What others have said:
Mel was the midwife on-call the night my twins were born. She works tirelessly making sure that you can ring her any time. Despite the nature of the subject she is just one of the most perfectly gentle people I have ever met. Always and even now we are still in touch via email, she has never forgotten any of my boys. She will retire in September. It would be wonderful to recognise all the hard work she has done.
I have had the pleasure of previously working with Mel. She is a committed and talented healthcare professional who goes above and beyond for the women in her care. Mel works tirelessly to improve the quality of care and the facilities that are available for women and their families at the most difficult time of their lives. Whilst her retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another I am sure she will continue to be remembered in the hearts of many for years to come x
I had the pleasure of being on the commitee with Mel for the local Sands Group. Mel was instrumental in creating a beautiful Memorial Garden in Hemel Hempstead to provide a place to remember our Babies. Thank you Mel.
Mel looked after us when our beautiful twin boys were stillborn 17 years ago. She was so kind, compassionate and thoughtful; a truly caring professional who facilitated us to donate their heart valves to be used to save 2 baby’s lives. Her tenacity in advocating for us to have this opportunity to prevent 2 families going through the profound grief we felt and continue to feel is immeasurable and greatly valued by us. She is a remarkable midwife.
I studied with Mel too many years ago & we formed a lasting friendship. I echo so many sentiments above. Mel is loyal kind & empathetic. Professional to the core a very dear & committed person. She is totally deserving of this award.
Mel is a very special perceptive midwife who cares for women at an extremely sad and vulnerable time in their lives. To have the knowledge that Mel can be available/contactable 24/7 enables women to have the necessary support that is individual to them. I especially like the comments of Julie Bayliss.
Mel is totally deserving of the awardx
I have worked with Mel on a several occassions during my time in Stoke Mandevile while she cared for bereaved parents in the birthing suite. Despite my experience as a midwife, neonatal specialist and a mum she taught me so much. Working along side her in an emotional and difficult situatuon was awe inspiring. Myself and all the proffesionals she has come into contact with over the years have had their practice ehanced immeasurably by working with her. Despite her upcoming retirement she continues to be innovative in her practice and angelic in her care. Her ‘ladies’, and colleagues are more blessed having known her.