University of Salford lecturer Kath Holt has been presented with a prestigious British Journal of Midwifery Practice Award.
Kath, who lecturers in midwifery and neonatal care at the University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work & Social Sciences, received the accolade for her work in promoting neonatal wellbeing.
This was one of 11 categories at the 2016 British Journal of Midwifery Practice Awards which was held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
The Promoting Neonatal Wellbeing category, sponsored by NUK, recognises the commitment and dedication of midwives who either practice in foetal medicine/screening units or provide care to the new-born babies.
The category’s criteria consists of what a midwife has achieved in promoting neonatal wellbeing, how valuable was their contribution and how this benefited women, families and children as a result of their work.
Kath pioneered the development of the University’s neonatal programme, which is the most requested and popular of the Midwifery continuing professional development modules. It is run by a multidisciplinary team of midwives and neonatologists.
Kath beat Faith Kayembe, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery at Canterbury Christ Church University, and Pauline Ferry, Staff Midwife at Letterkenny University Hospital, to win the award.
Speaking after the awards ceremony Kath said: “It is an honour and I am delighted to have been awarded first prize for ‘Promoting Neonatal Wellbeing’.
“Although I have received this award, it is in recognition of the continued commitment and outstanding teamwork from colleagues, who always put women, babies and families first.
“I would like to thank the midwifery students for nominating me and all of my colleagues who have given their continued support over the years.”
Lisa Bacon, Director of Midwifery, Counselling and Psychotherapy, added: “It is a great and an ongoing privilege to work with Kath and she is a highly valued member of the team.
“The way she teaches, encourages and supports our students is outstanding. Kath has the ability to convey often exceptionally complex information in a way that enables the students to really enjoy and engage with the material, retain the knowledge, and most importantly apply it to practice.
“Kath genuinely has made an outstanding contribution to neonatal wellbeing over the years and this award is richly deserved.”
Brian Boag, Interim Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Sciences, also said: “Kath is an outstanding member of our School family and this award highlights the work she has carried out over many years improving the lives of neonatal care.
“The fact she was nominated by her students is a testament to how highly she is regarded in the School and in her profession. Congratulations Kath, a richly deserved honour, we always knew you were the best!”
