13 March 2025

Midwives at Isle of Wight NHS Trust have been recognised in the National 2025 UK Mum (Maternity Unit Marvels) Awards.

The UK MUM Awards is an opportunity to showcase stories of exceptional maternity and neonatal care in the UK and gives families an opportunity to say thank you to their maternity and neonatal teams.

The maternity midwives came top in the ‘Exceptional care following previous loss’ category following a heartfelt nomination from a local family who have praised the midwives for the exceptional care the family received throughout their pregnancies and experience of baby loss.

Claire Carbonell, Head of Midwifery, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this national award on behalf of the care we deliver to women and pregnant people. Hearing how our maternity team has made a real difference to a family’s experience, through what has been some difficult times for them, is truly heartwarming.  I'm thrilled for the team and look forward to bringing the award back to the Island.”

Sophia Whitesmith from East Cowes first received maternity care during the pandemic with the birth of their son. Sophia said: “Throughout my journey they have stood by me through every phase.

“Amidst the restrictions and uncertainties of COVID-19, they went above and beyond to ensure that we felt safe, informed, and supported; creating a compassionate environment when isolation and fear were at their peak.”

Following three heartbreaking miscarriages the family was shown respect, sensitivity, and empathy by everyone they had contact with.

Sophia continued: “They were there in our darkest hours, offering comfort, guidance, and unwavering support and reminding us that we were not alone. The kindness and patience they extended to us during these devastating times had a profound impact on our healing.”

More recently the family has given birth to twins and the midwifery team supported them throughout the pregnancy and delivery from the planning of a C-section to the individualised care and respect of their wishes. 

Sophia said: “Every single midwife involved in my care has displayed a level of commitment that goes far beyond their professional duties. Their consistent presence, day and night, their attentiveness to our needs and their proactive approach in the face of any complications has been nothing short of exceptional. They have touched our lives and those of many others in ways that words alone cannot fully express.”

The UK MUM Awards 2025 will take place at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 13 March and will be hosted by Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham.

Baby Lifeline’s Patron, Linda Bassett (star of Call the Midwife) will also be attending to present the awards to the deserving winners.