There were celebrations at Ulster Hospital’s Maternity Unit as Midwife Ellen Hunter was the recipient of the prestigious Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award, at a ceremony held to celebrate International Day of the Midwife.
The Royal College of Midwives South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Branch launched the award in February 2022 after Hazel’s family presented them with the accolade in her memory. This special award honours a Midwife who has been nominated by their peers for going the extra mile and who has made an exceptional difference by their words or actions.
The honour is a yearly fitting tribute to Hazel who approached all situations with compassion, supported staff wellbeing and demonstrated great commitment to professional collaboration with all the members of the healthcare team.
Ellen, who’s from North Belfast, shared how “shocked and privileged” she felt at learning she had taken the honour for 2025 and said, “Being a Midwife is such a privilege and being a small part of a new family’s story is amazing and to be recognised for this is amazing.
“What makes this award even more special is that I was nominated by my peers, we stick together and we have that camaraderie.”
Hazel’s husband, John McCalister, presented the award to Ellen and described how, “Hazel has left a legacy and this award acts as a catalyst for Midwives in the Trust. Hazel cared so deeply for the wellbeing of her colleagues and it is important to acknowledge this through this award.”
Ellen began her Nursing career in 2012 and became a Midwife in 2018. “I have loved every part of my journey. Working with women and their families is such a privilege and women are always at the heart of everything we do. I always treat every single patient as if they are a relative of mine.”
Ellen’s passion for Midwifery began when a Careers Day video at school sparked her interest. “I remember a section came up on Nursing and I remember thinking, ‘I can do that, I would love to do that’. Midwifery was always something I wanted to do and I am just so, so glad that I pursued it because it is such an amazing job.”
Chair of South Eastern Trust Royal College Midwives Branch (RCM Branch) Karen Gray, described how the Branch was delighted to support the celebrations for International day of the Midwife 2025 and the Hazel McCalister award. “During her career in the South Eastern Trust, Hazel was a central part of the RCM Branch and the award continues her legacy. We would like to congratulate Ellen, an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s award.”
