Finalist for national maternity award 

A maternity support worker at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has been shortlisted for a prestigious award, one of the highest in the country for the maternity profession.

Kerry Horley, who works at St Mary’s Maternity Unit in Poole, is one of four finalists in the ‘maternity support worker of the year’ category in the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Awards 2024.

The RCM Awards celebrates the very best of maternity care across the UK, commending outstanding teams and individuals who have made a positive impact on women, families, and their newborns by showcasing world-class midwifery standards.

Kerry has worked at UHD since 2019, and is now an assistant practitioner, supporting staff with their training and development, as well as leading on innovation projects and learning opportunities.

She said: “It was lovely to be recognised for the work I am doing across the unit, and I feel quite overwhelmed to have been shortlisted for a national award like this.”

“I’m fortunate to be able to bring various skills to the team throughout my time here so far, and am looking forward to an exciting new chapter for maternity care in Dorset, when we move to the Royal Bournemouth’s BEACH (Births, Emergency And Criticial care, children’s Health) Building next year. As much as St Mary’s is well-loved and holds lots of happy memories for people, this is a wonderful opportunity to continue to develop UHD maternity care in a new setting.”

“Working in maternity care and helping people along with their parenthood jounrey is such a rewarding experience, and I feel very lucky that we will be able to provide excellent care for families and babies in our new space, with some really incredible facilities.”

Kerry Taylor, head of midwifery at UHD, said: “We are extremely proud that Kerry has been shortlisted. She is one of our most inspirational maternity support workers, always ensuring that colleagues are trained and supported in the early days of their career, and with ongoing development.

Kerry is innovative and has produced a number of resources to support colleagues’ individual needs. She is a shining example for the profession, and we all wish her the very best of luck!”

Winners will be announced at the RCM Awards ceremony which will take place in London later this year.