Elizabeth Leeming - Midwife, Newcastle, United Kingdom.

Elizabeth Leeming has been awarded the Pure Foundation Fund in the UK for her heroic work and role as a great protector to her patients. Elizabeth received the Pure Foundation Fund plaque and £10,000 for her department to continue to improve the care of parents and babies. Having worked for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust for over 10 years, Elizabeth Leeming was nominated by her colleague Rachael Fazakerley for being a ‘dedicated midwife, colleague, and friend who goes above and beyond for everyone she meets’. Elizabeth has dedicated her time to helping pregnant asylum seekers, who are coming into the city and staying in temporary accommodation. Commenting on her nomination, Rachael said: “Elizabeth has provided outstanding clinical care but on top of that has acted as an advocate for these families.”

I am extremely grateful to Rachael for going to the trouble to submit an entry for me. I hope that by shining a spotlight on Forced Migrant Maternal Health that it will increase funding and service development for this vulnerable group of mothers, here in the Northeast.

Elizabeth said of her win

Elizabeth will be donating her prize money to help fund the important work that is helping to break down some of the barriers in maternity care, by her hospital, the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust Maternity Department.

Mairead Martin, Senior Midwife, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda.

Senior Midwife, Mairead Martin, from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, has been awarded the Pure Foundation Fund in Ireland with a €10,000 bursary to advance the care of expectant and new parents and their babies.

Mairead has cared for thousands of women and families over her lengthy career. Having worked as a midwife for 32 years, Mairead’s colleague Rachel Gallagher nominated Mairead for her outstanding care given to women and families across Drogheda. Commenting on her nomination, Rachel said “To me; Mairead is the true meaning of a midwife. Mairead has an infectious personality, so you can't help but be drawn to her warm and caring nature. Mairead is heavily involved in providing education to women and families and leads the way in all aspects of antenatal education, birth preparation, breastfeeding, and postnatal care.”

I was absolutely thrilled about the award, and humbled by the fact that not only Rachel, but so many other of my Midwifery and Healthcare Assistant colleagues had done so as well. The staff of the Midwife Led Unit, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, are an amazing team of Midwives, Healthcare Assistants, and student midwives who go above and beyond every single day to provide the best care to women and their babies during the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal period.

When asked how she felt about being nominated for this year’s Pure Foundation Fund

Mairead will be donating her prize money to fund a resumption of water births, in appropriate circumstances, in the Labour ward at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She also plans to help fund essential training for Midwives, to enhance the quality and scope of the care that they already give to women attending the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal continuum.

Recognising the Great Protectors

The pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey can be emotional and stressful for patients and parents. The work of healthcare professionals including midwives, doctors, nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, obstetricians, neonatal professionals, and health visitors, is one of great care and support. WaterWipes® is proud to recognise the work and efforts of these heroes. The Pure Foundation Fund allows parents, patients, and colleagues to honour the great protectors involved in this journey.

Reading this year’s inspirational nominations reminds us all why we are all so passionate about supporting maternal, neonatal, and postnatal healthcare professionals in the UK and Ireland with the Pure Foundation Fund. We have been so touched by the incredible stories of these individuals who go above and beyond to provide excellent care for parents and their babies. They truly are our ‘Great Protectors’ and we are delighted to support the further improvement of care with the award of this year’s bursary funds.

Ailbhe O’Briain, HCP Marketing Manager UK & Ireland at WaterWipes®

WaterWipes^® would like to congratulate Elizabeth Leeming and Mairead Martin and thank all those who nominated a great protector.

More information on Pure Foundation Fund and previous year's winners.