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Sponsored by: The Jessica Sherman Foundation
Plea:
Firstly may I say how honoured and humbled I am to have been nominated and shortlisted for this award once again
My background
I have worked as a midwife for 29 years and have always had a passion for bereavement care. I became a volunteer for Warrington Bereavement Support where I undertook training and gained valuable experience supporting individuals and families and also learnt the importance of working within a caring environment. This undoubtedly helped me develop my initial position as bereavement lead on the neonatal unit. Through further study, audit, networking and feedback from families I continually strived to develop and improve bereavement care.
Our maternity and neonatal bereavement service was highlighted as an area of outstanding practice in the trust’s recent CQC report and also received a special recognition Butterfly Award in 2014 for service improvement. In September 2015 I was offered the post of Bereavement Support Co-ordinator for 15 hours per week. Following a recent review of the families and service needs my hours have increased to 30 hours per week concentrating solely on bereavement care, support and training ,to develop the service and the team across the gynaecology, maternity, neonatal and paediatric departments, quite simply, I have my dream job.
I know that I can make a difference to bereaved families whilst continuing to develop the service as each family is unique and provides more insight regarding how the care we provide could be improved. I strongly believe that working collaboratively helps achieve so much more and I have developed sound relationships with our local charities.
Life after Loss – Gemma Antell
I would urge you to vote for Debbie because she has become an absolutely essential part of the bereavement team over the past six years. She always goes above and beyond her line of work. It isn’t just a job to her she genuinely cares about each family that suffers a loss and works hard to make sure they get the best aftercare possible. She isn’t afraid to work with local charities to enhance the care for families and by embracing this network she has created and continues to upkeep one of the best maternity bereavement support structures in the country. She will ask for things that parents think would make their experience more bearable so that the next family that have to endure a loss might just have a fraction of a better experience during a time of great tragedy. She is actively involved with fundraising and charity work to further improve local services for the families she knows or those who have yet to cross her path. She takes on board a broader spectrum of work without batting an eyelid and campaigns tirelessly for pregnancy and infant loss awareness. From organising study days to fundraising she is always there right in the heart of it. She really is an angel without wings to these families.
Harry & CO – Kate Tinker
Debbie is a thoroughly hard working and compassionate individual, she ensures that none of her families are left wanting and is ultra-sensitive in her approach to parents and their extended families. She is our inspiration, her passion towards her role as Bereavement Support Co-Ordinator within the trust is endless, as there are always things that Debbie would like to improve on. She is conscientious, professional and calm in all aspects of her role continually enhancing bereavement care provision for families.
Antenatal Support
I offer families emotional support following the antenatal diagnosis of a life limiting condition, during the pregnancy, at the time of birth and follow up support in the community. Antenatal involvement prepares families for the grieving process and allows the family to have a choice of hospital, home or hospice for delivery and time for parallel planning when faced with uncertain outcomes at delivery
Debbie provides excellent support and is an asset to our unit; she strives to improve care for this group of women and their families to help them through the grieving process and to adjust to life after the loss of a baby… Dr Rita Arya, Obstetric Consultant
Families who have suffered a loss are increasingly anxious during subsequent pregnancies therefore I provide emotional support from early pregnancy to delivery and attend consultant clinic appointments. All antenatal families have my contact details for extra reassurance and I undertake home visits bases on individual family’s needs
DELIVERY SUITE
I am available in a supportive capacity to help midwives when caring for a family in the Butterfly Suite. I have assist with memory making when staff have had no experience or limited time.
I endeavour to meet with each family whilst in the Butterfly suite to introduce bereavement support and discuss options based on the family’s needs. I discuss and facilitate making special memories such as professional photography from Remember my Baby, hand and footprints, casts of hands and feet, memory boxes and most importantly, spending time with their baby and family
I have facilitated transfer to hospice care from delivery suite and regularly liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary team to enhance the quality of care for families.
BEREAVEMENT FOLLOW UP SUPPORT
In 2012 I was given the opportunity to provide a follow up visiting service to bereaved families on the neonatal unit for a trial period based on the findings from my studies. This was a tremendous step forward for the neonatal unit and complimented the service offered by the maternity department at that time.
Six years on I now provide bereavement follow up support to families who have experienced a loss on the gynaecology ward, the maternity department, families who have had a loss on the neonatal unit or paediatric ward and following unexpected infant and child loss presenting in the accident and emergency department.
The role involves helping families with practical aspects of bereavement and how to cope with other family members particularly siblings. I offer support for as long as each individual family needs to help them through the first few weeks followed by the painful firsts such as due date, birthdays, Christmas, mother’s, father’s day and the first anniversary of loss. The support is offered in many ways, home visits, telephone support, text or email based on the families preference. I facilitate access to local and national support groups
and refer to other professional services where appropriate. I have received very positive feedback from families some of whom have been kind enough to contribute to my profile…..
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Debbie has a way to make you feel at ease in your darkest hour. We first met Debbie after we lost our little girl at 21 weeks; she visited us at home and talked over what had happened. Just talking helped and we were able to discuss our options and what we were to do next. We were very grateful for the support, helping us through one of the hardest times. Debbie also discussed our other daughter who was 7 weeks old when she passed away two years previous. She has gone out of her way to ensure we are well and coping. Knowing that she was just a text away made me feel at ease. As I went through my next pregnancy, Debbie was there every step of the way to hold my hand, share in my joy and allow me to discuss my concerns. She celebrated each milestone as if she was family and even came to see me as I was in labour. Once our beautiful girl was here, again she celebrated with us and came to visit us at home! We have been so pleased with the care and treatment we have received and couldn’t have got through any of it without her! Lucy – mummy to angels Niamh Marie; Harriet Rose & Rainbow baby Orlaith Marie.
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Debbie was our bereavement midwife after the loss of our son William, and also supported us through our rainbow pregnancy with Jack helping us with deal with our mixed emotions and even caring for him in his early days in the neonatal unit. Debbie isn’t just a bereavement midwife she goes above and beyond the call of duty for the families she cares for. When we were at our lowest and completely lost Debbie was our guiding light. She took care of everything at the hospital so that we could concentrate on grieving for William. Debbie carries out her role with such passion, making time to listen and care for all the families she looks after; she is a credit to herself and the profession. Rebecca – mummy to Gracie, Thomas, Angel William and Rainbow baby Jack
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Throughout the time I have known Debbie, I never once thought I would need her support outside of a working capacity. But following the loss of my daughter, Eleanor last year, I did and she was there from the very beginning. She ensured that we made many memories with Eleanor in the short time she was with us and was a huge support to myself and my family. When you leave the hospital without your baby you feel very alone but to know that Debbie was there, to listen and support, was a huge help.
This year, Debbie has supported me through my next pregnancy. To know that Debbie was there to listen, support and reassure me was a godsend. I saw her regularly and she always allayed my fears and anxiety. She allowed me to somewhat enjoy my pregnancy and I have to say that I wouldn’t have been so calm if it wasn’t for her. It takes a special kind of person to do what Debbie does; she makes a real difference to families like mine who have experienced loss. I am so grateful that she was there for me during such difficult times.
Shanaz Loftus, Midwife and Mummy to Eleanor and Hannah.
EDUCATION
Training and development is vital to enable staff to deliver a high standard of bereavement care. I organise an annual bereavement study day for the region and bereavement updates are an integral part of our mandatory training. I have undertaken a national audit of bereavement follow up support provision in neonatal units which will hopefully help shape the future of bereavement care. I am a member of the North West Palliative Care Group representing level 2 units within the region. I have had two poster presentations accepted and shared at major national conferences.
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…Debbie is passionate about bereavement training; she has spoken at regional study days, developed local training for neonatal and midwifery staff and taught in the university setting to nursing students. She is an asset to our department and I wish her all the best for the butterfly awards… Dr Hulikere Satish, Consultant Paediatrician
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IN CONCLUSION
Each angel baby and family I have cared for holds a special place in my heart; each loss is unique and as such continually inspires me to help others through their grief and beyond. I am eternally grateful for the dedication, support and funding the charities provide to help improve our bereavement services and feel privileged to work with such a fabulous team at Warrington Hospital. I will continually strive to improve bereavement care not just at my hospital but across the country, working with others to help improve their bereavement services as working collaboratively achieves so much more.
THANKYOU FOR READING
What others have said:
When my daughter died in March 2014, I had no support for a month. Since Debbie has secured the permanent position of Bereavement Officer she became a pillar of support for myself and my partner in the lead up to my second daughter’s delivery and after her birth. Debbie is a committed and trust worthy individual who will always go above and beyond to help others.
Absolutely Honoured to vote for Debbie for this award, without Debbie i don’t think i would be where i am today. After the most traumatic time loosing my 4 month old daughter Nova-Lily in January, Debbie has been there when ever i have needed her. When i’ve needed questions answering, when ever i need to vent to somebody outside of family our family circle. (You don’t realise how much, this is needed) When i needed somebody to chase up results.
Debbie is an outstanding lady who goes above and beyond to make you feel at ease during a difficult. We will never be able to show or tell you how much we appreciate your support.
Again Thank you Debbie x
You truely deserve to recognised!
Jessica, Phil & Our Angel Nova-Lily xxx
When I worked on the maternity unit I was privileged enough to work with Debbie, she is a true asset to our unit. She is always so kind caring and compassionate and she truly deserves this award as she taken the bereavement services even further in the last few years.
Debbie is a remarkable professional who’s work is invaluable in supporting women and their families at very difficult and dark times. She works together with us as clinicians in such a calm caring and compassionate manner which truly reflects the ethos of what our Unit strives to acheive- individualised patient centred care. She is an asset to the department and to the local population.
Debbie is a lovely person who will offer help and support to all. He caring and professional manner is second to none, and is always there for any help would it be required with offering guidance throughout .
As a chaplain in the Trust, I have worked with Debbie for many years. She is sensitive and compassionate in her support for parents who have lost their baby. She combines this with a professional attitude that cares for all, whatever their background, and covers all the important details of each individual situation.
As a chaplain in the Trust I have worked with Debbie for many years. She is sensitive and compassionate in her support for parents who have lost their baby. She combines this with a professional attitude that cares for all, whatever their background, and covers all the details of each individual situation.
As a midwife sonographer I meet many of the women to whom Debbie provides invaluable care and support. It is evident how important this service is to the women and their families during the most difficult circumstances. Not only does Debbie provide this exceptional service for our Warrington women but she also supports and trains our staff to ensure a consistently high standard of care at every appointment or visit to the hospital.
Debbie is a kind and caring person who is a valued member of the team. She is a massive support to ladies and their families during difficult times. Debbie also offers training and support for staff and is a role model to us all.
Debbie is committed to providing excellent care to parents at the most devastating time of their lives. Debbie has a kind, calm and reassuring nature and is an asset to the Trust.
Working as a midwife in the Day Unit at Warrington Hospital we occasionally meet parents experiencing a difficult time. Debbie is always available to provide the highest level of care and compassion for these families and is a valued member of the team. An truly lovely lady.
I have had the pleasure of working alongside Debbie for the past 13 years. Debbie is a very caring and dedicated professional and has embraced her new role as Bereavement support worker. Debbie is always available to families and staff alike with support and a listening ear. She has helped to make a difference to bereavement support to families (and staff) in the Warrington area. Training staff in this sensitive area with compassion and care.
Debbie is an exceptional midwife, who has driven and raised the quality of our bereavement service in such a short time frame. Her passion and commitment is felt by the women who have experienced the unthinkable, their families and her working colleagues. She is calm, kind and compassionate and delivers training that is totally engaging for staff , to ensure that these women receive the best possible care at the most difficult times in their lives. She is an asset to our unit.
Debbie is passionate about giving the best service possible at a devastating time in people’s lives. She goes above & beyond the call of duty with her care, support & compassion.
After our son Ryan-Alfie was stillborn we were introduced to Debbie she helped us create memories of our son we will cherish for ever. Her home visits gave us the opportunity to ask question and give us advice, she was also there to just sit and listen in times when we needed it most. Nothing was ever too much for her, She is a lovely caring lady who truly gives her all and deserves to win this award. Good luck Debbie. X
I feel very honoured to know Debbie, she is a very caring, compassionate and kind hearted person. She is very dedicated to her role and always strives to do her best for everyone that she comes into contact with. I believe she truly deserves this award and hope that she is recognised for all of her commitment to the family’s , staff, charities and community that she is providing this essential service for.
Wish you all the very best of luck Debbie.
Love Andrea xx
Debbie is an inspirational lady, her dedication and commitment make such a difference to families at difficult times. I am delighted she is getting wider recognition, she is a credit to our unit and I am proud to work alongside her!
Good luck x
Debbie is a valuable member of the team who is passionate and driven the quality of the bereavement services. Her contribution to developing this service is very much appreciated not only in the region but nationally. She is very experienced at providing emotional/ bereavement services to the families . She truly deserves to be recognised and wish her all the best.
Debbie has worked for many years to improve the support given to bereaved families.
She offers personalised care to affected families and has been instrumental in improvements in neonatal palliative care and bereavement care for the whole region.
I have learnt a lot from her and she is a great source of support
As a midwife working on delivery suite I have watched Debbie working with families going through the worst time of their lives. She cares with compassion, empathy, sensitivity and patience. Not only is she invaluable to these families she is also fantastically supportive of staff, she leads us through with just the same care she gives to families. She is at the end of a phone whenever needed and often when she is off duty.
She goes above and beyond what anyone would expect, I for one find her inspirational.
Any midwife would tell you, Caring for a woman and her family during a time of bereavement can be difficult. I am a midwife currently working on delivery suite. Having only been a midwife for 1 year, I don’t have a huge amount of experience surrounding bereavement. On the occasions that I have cared for a woman and her family during a time of bereavement, Debbie has been on hand to support both myself and the woman. Debbie is a dedicated professional, I have seen first hand the attention and detail she puts into personalising care plans for every woman during a time of bereavement. Debbie actively seeks to support staff, offering guidance and peer support.
I met Debbie almost 20 yrs ago when our son Thomas was born 13 weeks premature. He spent seven and a half weeks on the Neo Natal unit . During that time Debbie looked after him and myself on many occasions sadly Thomas lost his battle with life and became our Angel baby. Debbie was so supportive and I have on many occasions since talked with Debbie about Thomas and our loss. I was also invited by Debbie to attend the Bereavment study days that she has organised to tell the delegates all about our experiences during our sons short life. I know Debbie dedicates so much time improving support given to bereaved families and I feel very honoured to know Debbie and to vote for a truly remarkable person.
It’s so hard to put in to words how and why Debbie deserves this award, and the recognition for what she does.
Debbie is the most caring and compassionate person you could ever wish for to walk in to you life at the worst time in your life.
Still 3.5 years after the death of our Son, Debbie is still around, still at the end of the phone if we ever need her, still there to guide us through struggles we have.
Debbie was a huge part of our Rainbow journey too, she helped us to get the answers we needed to have the confidence that it was worth ‘trying again’and now we have a hapy healthy nearly 2 year old daughter ♡
Debbie will never understand how special she is to people, as there is no words or actions to show how truely greatful myself and everyother family she’s been in contact with are xxx
We love you Debbie ♡ Good Luck ♡
.Chloe, Nik & Lacey and our Angel x Warren x
I have worked with Debbie for 5 years she is a dedicated, caring and compassionate neonatal nurse who I have learnt from both clinically and professionally. Debbie is a great role model who I aspire to. Debbie’s role within the breavement service is outstanding, her compassion and commitment to families deserves to be recognised and she truly deserves this award.