Senior Midwife and Lead Professional Midwifery Advocate Aneta Hlophe from Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her colleagues. Director of Midwifery Christine Harding explains why Aneta deserves her award.
“As one of the first internationally trained midwives we employed. Aneta uses her experience to support the development and integration of midwives who are in a similar situation, leaving their native countries to work in a UK hospital. She takes them under her wing without there being any requirement to do so.
“In her role as lead Professional Midwifery Advocate Aneta walks hand in hand with staff who have been involved in challenging situations that may be under investigation. Without any judgement she helps them provide the information for investigations and helps them to reflect and develop. Seeing the need she guides staff with meaningful reflection. Aneta has taken time to create resources, at an appropriate level for staff who may not have any experience of reflective practice so that they can use this tool to improve and develop.
“In addition Aneta organises celebration events for staff, celebrating diversity of our workforce, understanding and celebrating our culture, celebrating our midwives and support workers. At a time when maternity services are so heavily criticised it is important to maintain the morale and this really has a positive impact on the culture in my unit. Aneta is the person I go to when I need a culture coach or someone to role out the diversity training throughout the unit. I am so grateful to Aneta and want her to know what a star she is.”
Aneta reacted to winning her Cavell Star Award.
“It’s incredibly motivating. It means a lot to me to be nominated by work colleagues, who I truly respect. It’s so rewarding to work as a Lead Professional Midwifery Advocate. Every day offers new opportunities and challenges to make a difference in the lives of others, whether it is by reflecting on clinical care, providing emotional support, or just being a calming and comforting presence. Being able to positively influence situations in such ways is incredibly fulfilling.
“My team are like a second family to me. We help each other through the good times and the bad, and I’m always motivated by their commitment, empathy, and teamwork. Being a member of a team that is so supportive and caring makes a huge difference.”
