Veteran Midwife Honored with Award Following 51 Years of Service

Diane Hele, a 67-year-old nurse at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, has been recognized with the maternity unit’s Midwife of the Year Award after dedicating 51 years to its service. She was selected for her commitment and for being described as a “true icon in the field of midwifery, a strong advocate for women and providing exemplary care to pregnant people and their families”. This accolade is bestowed annually, commemorating midwife Hannah Seeley, who passed away in 2012. Ms. Hele expressed her gratitude, stating: “I feel honoured to have received this award having been nominated by my colleagues, and in memory of Hannah Seeley, who I worked with as a student and newly qualified midwife who I will never forget.” She further commented: “Working at the West Suffolk Hospital is very important to me, as it has given me the career that I would not change for the world.” Originally from Beyton, Ms. Hele commenced her employment at West Suffolk Hospital in 1973 at the age of 16, prior to the full completion of the site. The Support Worker of the Year Award was presented to maternity care assistant Kate Jones. Ms. Jones remarked: “I love being involved in the care of the ladies and families and being able to provide reassurance and support to them at a vulnerable time.” Claire Jones was named Student Midwife of the Year, and she conveyed that she “felt honoured to have been nominated by my colleagues”. Karen Newbury, director of midwifery for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, stated: “Each year, we look forward to continuing Hannah’s memory through the ball and these awards. Each year, it seems harder and harder to pick the winners as so many in our teams do amazing work every day. However, Diane, Kate and Claire have been exemplary.”