A SPECIALIST midwife working at the Hospital has won a national award for her extensive contribution to perinatal mental health care.
Josephine Lane won the Outstanding Contribution to Perinatal Mental Health category at the Royal College of Midwives Awards, which were held in London earlier this month.
She was recognised for “transforming” how maternity services support women’s emotional wellbeing both during pregnancy and after giving birth, ensuring women feel supported and heard throughout every step of their journey.
Gill Walton, chief executive of the RCM, said: “A key part of Josephine’s work has been tackling stigma and making it normal to talk about mental health in maternity care. By building conversations about emotional wellbeing into routine appointments and touchpoints, Josephine has helped more women feel able to speak up early – and access the right support sooner.
“Her work is a powerful example of compassionate, woman-centred care in action. By normalising conversations about mental health, improving early identification and building confidence across the maternity team, she has made a real difference to women, families and colleagues alike.”
Alongside her work strengthening mental health support, Ms Lane was also commended for improving the service’s approach to identifying risk by developing a consistent screening and assessment process used from booking through to postnatal care.
This consists of a tool which assists midwives in spotting previous mental health issues, trauma, domestic abuse or a lack of support and allows for early referral and clearer care planning.
Outside of the hospital, she works alongside community organisations to reach women who are unlikely to seek or engage with mental health support, aiming to boost awareness and ensure all care is inclusive.
Ros Bullen-Bell, director of midwifery for Health and Care Jersey, said: “Jo’s dedication to perinatal mental health has had a profound and lasting impact on the women, babies and families we care for.
“Her compassionate leadership, specialist expertise, and unwavering commitment to improving pathways of support have transformed the experience of those navigating some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. We are immensely proud of Jo, and I am delighted to see her outstanding contribution recognised in this way.”
Each year, these awards honour individuals working in maternity care, who are working to “world-class standards” and positively impacting women, babies and their families.
