Maternity Support Worker Melanie McAlpine from Ulster Hospital has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her patients.
Colleague and midwife Jayne Cardwell explains why Melanie is such a worthy winner.
“The Maternity Ward provides care for both antenatal and postnatal patients and in a very short space of time Melanie has had a hugely positive impact. She is kind and compassionate and alongside her day-to-day duties, has always taken time to stop and talk to each patient, to make them feel welcome and cared for.
“Melanie is also a highly skilled at providing breastfeeding support and has helped countless women successfully initiate their breastfeeding journey and taught them the skills they require to sustain it when they’ve gone home. She has also been instrumental in the establishment of a breastfeeding support group which meets multiple times per week on the Maternity Ward. This has already received incredibly positive feedback from the women who have attended and has crucially helped women realise that they are not alone in their challenges with breastfeeding.
“Melanie’s enthusiasm for providing breastfeeding support has also been incredibly beneficial for the staff working with her – particularly for other healthcare assistants and newly qualified midwives – as she is so keen to share her knowledge and experience.
“Her passion and enthusiasm for her job is infectious and has really encouraged everyone to ‘lift their game’ on the Maternity Ward. She is a real asset to the maternity team and has had such a transformative effect on the ward over the last 9 months. Melanie is a deeply caring person who is passionate about providing high quality care and is an absolutely fantastic role model to all.”
Melanie reacted to winning her Cavell Star Award.
“I honestly don’t feel I go above and beyond, I just enjoy my role and delivering the best care possible is my daily goal. I am proud to work with this amazing dedicated and caring team who strive daily to give the best care possible to all.
“Without the training, support and camaraderie within the team, I feel I would not be able to work to the best of my ability. The team themselves go above and beyond in the care they also give which makes it easier and pushes you to give the best care you can.”
Read more about Melanie
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
