Maternity staff receive national NHS awards

Two Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have received national NHS England recognition for their outstanding contribution to infant feeding support for new parents.

Maddy Ellison and Jasmin Conway, who both work within OUH's Infant Feeding team, have been presented with Chief Midwifery Officer Award certificates. 

Maddy received her award from Fay Corder, South East Regional Quality Lead for Maternity at NHS England.

The Chief Midwifery Officer Award recognises staff who "consistently demonstrate the NHS values in their everyday roles" and make a positive difference to patient care.

Maddy and Jasmin were celebrated for their work developing a series of short, accessible breastfeeding patient information videos, alongside delivering daily infant feeding sessions and tailored support for families and staff.

Together, this work has strengthened infant feeding support across OUH maternity services, helping to ensure families receive clear, consistent advice during the early postnatal period.

In the joint nomination, Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery, and Sharon Andrews, Head of Midwifery, wrote: "[They have] transformed early postnatal care through their daily delivery of ‘early days infant feeding’ sessions, tailored support for families and staff, and the development of accessible education videos which were launched on World Patient Safety Day.

"Their work has improved consistency, confidence and equity in infant feeding support, giving families the knowledge and reassurance they need at a critical time."

Maddy Ellison said: "I was delighted to receive this award, which recognises the work our team do every day to support families in the early postnatal period. It’s vital work, and I’m proud to be part of a team so committed to giving parents the best possible start."

Fay Corder said: "It was a pleasure to meet Maddy and to present her with her award. She is a highly valued member of the postnatal ward team, and her enthusiasm, dedication, and tailored infant feeding support are clearly appreciated by the families she supports.

"Maddy and Jasmin’s work equips families with the confidence and knowledge they need during the transition to parenthood. Their development of accessible education videos for both families and staff has further strengthened equitable infant feeding support, and their daily delivery of early-days feeding sessions consistently ensures a positive experience for all."

Jasmin Conway said: "We work tirelessly to reach and support as many families as possible, and this recognition means so much to our team and the families we care for. Thank you."

Milica Redfearn said: "Maddy and Jasmin bring real warmth, care and dedication to everything they do. They put mothers and babies at the heart of their work every day, and the difference that makes for families in those early days is huge. I’m absolutely delighted to see their work recognised nationally and we are so proud of them both."

Sharon Andrews added: "Anyone who’s seen Maddy and Jasmin support new parents will know how special their work is. They help families feel calmer, more confident and better supported at what can be an overwhelming time. We are so proud of them both as they receive this thoroughly deserved recognition."