27 October 2008
Top UK midwife dropped in on top maternity unit
Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), paid a visit to Chelmsford’s top performing maternity unit recently.
Dame Karlene spent two hours speaking with midwives and touring the birthing unit at St John’s Hospital in Chelmsford.
Alison Cuthbertson, Head of Midwifery at mid Essex Hospitals, said: “It is a great honor and a privilege for St. John’s to have been chosen for a visit (by Dame Karlene). Our maternity service has been rated as one of the best in the country so we are keen to show Dame Karlene all of the good work that is taking place here. Our midwives and nurses are all very excited and eager to meet her, as she has been an inspiration and a role model to many of our members.”
This will be one of Dame Karlene's last visits as the General Secretary of the RCM as she is stepping down after 10 years in the role.
Dame Karlene said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead my profession as RCM General Secretary. Having played a part in the campaign to recognise the immense value of midwifery to the good health of the nation, I look forward to continuing to support the work of the College on behalf of its members and the women and families in England.”
Dame Karlene was appointed RCM Deputy General Secretary in 1994. Three years later she became General Secretary, leading the college and representing its 37,000 midwives. She was the country’s first black woman trade union leader. During her tenure, she has provided leadership which has enhanced the midwifery’s reputation and championed the role of midwives in the national and international arenas.
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
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