A MEMBER of staff from Poole Hospital’s maternity unit has been named the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Maternity Support Worker of the Year for 2019.

Gemma Douglas, a trainee nursing associate at the hospital’s St Mary’s maternity hospital, fought off competition from across the NHS to claim the national title at the RCM Awards in London earlier this month (March).

Gemma has worked at the maternity hospital for 11 years. She has orchestrated a new project called ‘Time Out’ which provides support to those suffering anxiety as they wait for induction of labour.

She said: "I still can’t believe I won the award. It is wonderful to be recognised for what you do and it’s a great sense of achievement to be appreciated.

"I am truly grateful to Jillian Ireland, our professional midwifery advocate, both for nominating me and supporting me in my development over the past two years.

"I have received many wonderful comments of congratulations from work colleagues past and present and I am honoured to be doing a job which I love.”

Jillian, a professional midwifery advocate at the hospital was shortlisted for the supervisor/professional midwifery advocate award.

Head of midwifery Sandra Chitty said: "I am thrilled that Gemma and Jillian have been recognised on a national scale.

"They both completely deserve the exposure as they are two tremendous members of staff who exemplify the high quality of care that we give."