National award for Wirral midwife (From Wirral Globe)

National award for Wirral midwife

4:54pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Stephanie Cureton

One to One midwife Lauren Irving with award and mum Emma Ashton with eight-month-old Elise. Picture: Vince Clegg / Creative Photography

A MUM-TO-BE has been crowned as the country's top midwife.

Lauren Irving, who works across Wirral with One-to-One midwives, scooped the national award for 'Johnson's Baby Mums' Midwife of the Year' for her work with new parents.

Her victory, which was announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday, came after local mothers and the Royal College of Midwives judging panel decided she was an "exceptional" midwife.

Lauren, 31, who was given a regional trophy in the same category last year, said: "I can't believe I’ve won this national award as well - I’m totally overwhelmed!

"Being able to support a woman throughout her whole pregnancy helps me to build up really good and trusting relationship and I love this aspect of my job.

"The award shows that many mums across the Wirral are now aware of this quality service which is available to NHS patients.

"Our midwives are finding new mums prefer receiving midwifery care at home as it really fits in with their busy lifestyles."

Joanne Parkington, clinical director for One to One midwives in Wirral, said: "This is an excellent achievement by Lauren to win both awards. It’s a prestigious national award given by The Royal College of Midwives.

"This gives fantastic recognition for our team of midwives at One to One who are dynamic and dedicated professionals providing exceptional midwifery services and achieving great health outcomes for women and their families.

"More than 1,100 mums across Wirral have now experienced the high standards and quality of care provided by our dedicated and committed team of midwives."