Trust celebrates International Day of the Nurse and Midwife
Once you’ve met them you rarely forget them.
Midwives and nurses play such an important part in your life.
In the midst of this global pandemic, midwives across North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust have risen to this extraordinary challenge to support one another in the fight to protect women and babies.
Retired midwives are once again donning their nametags and reuniting with colleagues; student midwives are picking up the baton and joining forces to support the maternity team; and the consistent members of staff, whatever the band, are pulling all efforts to provide excellent care.
Midwives from Penrith Birthing Centre have shown “team spirit and determination” when responding to Covid-19, according to lead midwife Jane McRitchie.
Teams from Appleby, Wigton and Brampton have “risen to the challenge” that Covid-19 has put everyone under.
Jane said: “What has not changed throughout this crisis is our team spirit, determination and resilience and I am extremely proud of each and every one of my team.
“We have laughed together, cried together and been overwhelmed by the extraordinary generosity and support we have received from people who do not even know our names or have accessed our service.
“International Day of The Midwife thankfully saw all our staff, their families and our lovely clients fit and well.
“We celebrated the day by being dressed in bright rainbow colours (underneath our PPE) and continued to do what we do best……caring for each other and our women.”
Amanda Kennett joined NCIC in March as the new Associate Director of Midwifery and has praised the work of her team.
She said: “Being a midwife is just such a big part of me. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s all about trying to make a difference to women and their babies at that vital, precious time. Being a midwife is a privilege.
“Midwives like to celebrate the day. It’s nice to know that we have an important role in womens’ lives and it’s an excuse to have a cup of tea and a bit of cake!”
One mum who gave birth to twins in the Cumberland Infirmary last week wrote to the trust to praise the “exceptional team” that looked after her.
She said: “My midwifes - Hayley and Lucie - were exceptional.
“The support I felt from the both of them was second to none. The team in the theatre were also amazing.
“Every single member of the team that I met was a credit to the trust.
“Thank you all for what you do each and every day. You are true heroes.”
Next week, on Tuesday, May 12, the trust will mark International Day of the Nurse.