Hazel is maternity support worker of the year

A Poole Hospital maternity support worker has been named national support worker of the year by her professional body.

Hazel Harvey has been in the role for seven years, and works with vulnerable mums-to-be and their families as part of the safeguarding team.

Hazel was put forward for the award, from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), by her manager and the hospital’s lead midwife for safeguarding, Kerry Medina. Kerry wanted to recognise her colleague’s determination to provide complete support for women, and the professional development opportunities she took in order to do so.

The role sees her work closely with mums-to-be from early pregnancy right up to, and beyond, the birth.

She helps mums to be who are smokers to quit, and provides women with practical parenting skill to boost their confidence.

She is a trained newborn behavioural observation practitioner, which helps her to identify if a baby’s needs are being met, and how best to support the mum and family to provide for them.

“For me, it’s all about the bonding,” explains Hazel. “Some mums struggle with their mental health around pregnancy, and with bonding and attachment.

“My role is really to support the mum and their family to create the best possible environment for their baby, and to be with them every step of the way.”

Hazel says she is still taking news of the award in after learning of it last week (7 May).

“I was completely shocked with the award, and I still am. I have worked very hard and had great support from my colleagues, so it is a real honour.

“I strive to do my best for the women and babies under our care, and it is really rewarding to know that those efforts are recognised.”

Gill Walton, chief executive of the RCM, said: “Hazel’s work has made a big difference to the many women and their families in Dorset and I wholeheartedly congratulate her on being named MSW of the year.”