An Ulster Hospital Midwife in the Home from Home Unit has received a very special award at a ceremony marking International Day of the Midwife.
Amanda Stothers was presented with the Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award, celebrating her compassion and commitment to going above and beyond for women, babies and families in her care.
The event was also attended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, who joined in thanking Midwives for their invaluable contribution to healthcare.
The award was established in February 2022 by the Royal College of Midwives South Eastern HSC Trust Branch, after the very sad death of Hazel McCalister, who was a much loved and brilliant Midwife, Each year her family present the award in her memory. It recognises a Midwife who is nominated by colleagues for demonstrating exceptional care, professionalism and teamwork.
The accolade is a fitting tribute to Hazel, who was known for her compassion, her support for staff wellbeing and her commitment to working across healthcare teams.
Presenting the award, Hazel’s son Aaron said, “It is a privilege to present this award on behalf of the McCalister family. My mum was a deeply caring and compassionate person who cared greatly about the welfare of Midwives. We are very proud to have this award in her name and to be here today to present it.”
Overwhelmed to receive this award, Amanda, stated, “It is a privilege and an honour to accept this award on behalf of our Team. I think we are all very deserving and I am very proud of each and every member of staff in this Unit. I was very fond of Hazel and we were good friends, so to accept this in her memory is absolutely wonderful.”
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt MLA added, “Attending events such as this is one of the great privileges of my position. Hazel McCalister was a highly experienced Midwife whose legacy is being kept alive through these awards. It was a pleasure to join with Midwives to recognise their incredible work and to mark International Day of the Midwife.”
South Eastern Trust, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHPs and Support Services, Professor David Robinson, commented, “On International Day of the Midwife, Midwives across the globe are celebrating the vital role they play in supporting mothers and babies. It was fantastic to celebrate the Hazel McCalister Award and to honour Hazel’s legacy within the South Eastern Trust family.
“There was a fantastic number of nominations, highlighting the high standard of care across our services and Amanda is a very worthy winner. Our Midwives make such a difference to mums, babies and families every day. If we are serious about giving children the best start in life, we must continue to recognise and celebrate the work that they do.”
Home from Home Unit, Ward Manager, Lindsay Wright said, “I am absolutely delighted that Amanda has received this award. She is a brilliant member of our Team and this recognition reflects the high standard of care within the Home from Home Unit.
“Anyone who has had Amanda care for them will agree she is a very worthy winner.”