UCLH midwife named as RCM’s ‘unsung hero’

Josephine Oamen, senior clinical midwife, has won the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) prestigious Unsung Hero award.

The award, which is sponsored by Birthing and Maternity Education Online: Birthing With Colour, recognises the contributions of those who act without thought of recognition, and who deliver exemplary care or education that promotes collaborative, culturally sensitive working and higher standards of care for patients. 

The RCM judges described Josephine as ‘a true example of kindness and compassion, honesty, inclusiveness, courage and having the ability to communicate effectively with members of staff of all levels and disciplines.’ 

At the awards ceremony, RCM chief executive Gill Walton, said: “Josephine has taken the initiative to raise the profile of the staff network for ethnic minority staff and makes a real difference to colleagues’ working lives. She has qualities for others to aspire to, including the ability to sensitively encourage and manage staff who are losing their passion for midwifery due to the problems in the workplace such as the severe staffing crisis. 

“In her day-to-day work, she keeps to the highest clinical standards and is always concerned with the wellbeing of the families in the Trust’s care and devoted to staff wellbeing. She teaches by example and by her diligence and commitment to the midwifery profession.” 

Speaking about the award, Josephine said: “A massive thank you to those that nominated me – I am so proud to be an activist and very happy to be able to support my colleagues.  

“My vision for maternity is to ensure midwives, maternity support workers, and students are well and healthy enough to support birthing women and their families. To achieve this, we as senior midwives need to lead by example. We need to listen, show compassion, and support people to speak up, especially those who are vulnerable. We need to embrace our students because they are our future heroes. Finally, we need to continue to work together to challenge systemic racism in every maternity unit.” 

Excellence in the midwifery profession across UCLH was also recognised this year, with the UCLH RCM branch shortlisted for The Gill Adgie Members' Champion Award, and North Central London Local Maternity and Neonatal System team shortlisted the Partnership Working Award. 

You can see the full shortlist and winner lists via the RCM24 website