Director of Midwifery and Nursing Sarah Receives Prestigious Award for Excellent Contribution to Midwifery

The Director of Midwifery and Nursing at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) has received a prestigious national award in recognition of her contribution to nursing and midwifery practice.

Sarah Windfeld has been awarded the Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award by NHS England for going above and beyond, demonstrating excellence in clinical practice, leadership, outstanding care and championing diversity and inclusion.

Sarah was presented with the award at a surprise presentation held at St. Michael’s Hospital on Wednesday (3 May), surrounded by colleagues and family.

Sarah was appointed Director of Midwifery at UHBW in 2001 and has overseen numerous successes at St Michael’s, including the opening of the midwifery led birthing unit in 2013.

Sarah is also part of the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS), a partnership of organisations, women and their families working together to deliver improvements in local maternity services.

She has also supported the safe development of the Continuity of Carer teams, a way of delivering maternity care so that women receive dedicated support from the same midwifery team throughout their pregnancy. This has helped reduce health inequalities and improved outcomes for vulnerable women.

On accepting the award at the same hospital where she undertook midwifery training 26 years ago, UHBW Director of Midwifery Sarah Windfeld said:

“I am honoured to have received the award but it wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful team around me who work hard and support me in all I do.”

“The Midwifery service has gone from strength to strength. The flexibility of the staff and the ability to embrace change has meant that we have been able to merge the service with Weston improving the scope and quality of services to women.

“I lead a fantastic team of nurses, midwives and support workers and work in a fantastic multidisciplinary team who strive for the best for patients. We love what we do and have fun!”

Jessica Read, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer NHS England, presented the award to Sarah, and said:

“Sarah has been an integral part of The Trust for many years, with a real focus on safe care for mothers and babies within the community. She was instrumental in keeping the midwifery service safe during the pandemic and making it a good place for staff.

“One stand out for me is that Sarah has championed the cause to provide personalised safe care for the most diverse and vulnerable women across Bristol.  She is a huge advocate for the midwifery profession with her calm and reassuring presence. The Trust is lucky to know that the midwifery service remains in her safe hands.”

Sarah Windfeld was nominated for the award by UHBW Chief Nurse and Midwife Deirdre Fowler for her excellent contribution to improving midwifery practice.