Prestigious award for staff member during NHS England visit
NHS England’s Chief Midwifery Officer, Kate Brintworth and Donald Peebles, National Clinical Director for Maternity, visited our maternity department to hear about the services and developments, and present a special award to one of our midwives.
On a tour of the department Kate and Donald met staff and heard about the improvement journey, including the positive approach to staff wellbeing to enhance patient care, taking a multi-disciplinary approach to bring significant change and the role of our bereavement midwives.
Kate then presented recently-retired bereavement midwife, Karen Stoyles, with the Silver Chief Midwifery Officer Award, which recognises the significant contribution made by nurses and midwives in England and their exceptional contribution to their practice. The silver award acknowledges performance that goes above and beyond the expectations of the everyday role.
Karen started her career in 1985 and was instrumental in setting up our bereavement midwife service. Karen retired at the end of February 2025.
Kate said: “Karen has made an outstanding contribution to midwifery services. 20 years ago, when many hospitals didn’t have this kind of bereavement support, Karen set up the baby loss memorial service, creating that care and love for people to remember and think about their babies. She has continuously sought to develop and improve the bereavement services, sharing the very best practice, making links to local charities, organising a remembrance garden and making beautifully handstitched blankets and clothes.
“Karen goes above and beyond; you already know that here, but so do the families who have also expressed their gratitude. Karen exceeds expectations and exemplifies the reason people come and do their jobs.”
On being presented with her award, Karen said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this award. It has been a great privilege to care for parents at the worst time of their lives and to play a part in providing good bereavement care.
“We have striven to be at the forefront of change, being one of the first hospitals in the country to have a bereavement midwife role and a bereavement suite. In more recent years, we have been an early adopter of the National Bereavement Care Pathway and have encouraged parents to participate in review of their care.
“I would like to thank my colleagues and local charities, Ella`s Memory and Cornwall SANDS, who have assisted and supported me over the years. It has been a wonderful end to my midwifery career. I am sad to be leaving my role but am confident that I am leaving the service in very safe hands with my incredible Maternity Bereavement Team colleagues.”
