Glowing praise for a Sunderland midwife - and now she’s in the running for an award

Helen Smith, who is based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, was also hailed as ‘a credit to her profession and a shining example to all aspiring midwives’ after she was nominated for a Best of Health Award.

The nomination, from a mum who benefited from Helen’s excellent help, said: “Throughout the birth, it was apparent that Helen had understood all of my concerns and wishes, tailoring my care to ensure normality where possible.

“As a result of her attentive and considered approach, I had a wonderful birth experience for which I will always be thankful.”

The new mum also told how Helen had “agreed to attend the delivery of my second child, despite this falling during a period of annual leave.”

Helen has been a part of the health service for 35 years and started when she was 17.

She began as a student nurse in the Eye Infirmary and was later a staff nurse in the paediatric section.

She moved on to midwifery training in 1990 and qualified a year later. She has remained in midwifery at Sunderland Royal Hospital ever since.

“Every birth is special,” she said. “It is a really enjoyable job and and it is good to meet people.

“It is a really lovely feeling that you are helping people to achieve a nice birthing experience.”

Helen said it would be ‘an honour’ if she were to win an award and added: “It would be something to tell the family about.”

She joins an ever-growing list of award nominations.

The nominations are streaming in for the competition but we want even more.

We want you to nominate your own health heroes and here are some details of this year’s competition.

HOW TO ENTER

To nominate, send your name, address and phone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known). Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into. And send a detailed reason as to why you think your nominated person or organisation should be chosen as the winner.

There are three ways you can nominate:

lEmail those entries to [email protected] .

lSend them to Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.

lNominate online. Visit the website at http://www.nehealthawards.co.uk.