My love for maternity started in 2015 when I first wrote to the ward sister expressing my interest in becoming a Maternity Support Worker (MSW). After being unsuccessful twice, she suggested volunteering and I absolutely loved it. I volunteered every Tuesday, and I always looked forward to it! Back then Maternity Support Worker roles did not come up very often but I didn’t give up hope. I continued my job as a Playgroup Assistant but continued to volunteer.
Some MSW roles finally came up when I had been volunteering for eighteen months. We had to go for testing in Maths/English. I unfortunately failed the Maths by one mark so they could not put me through for interview. I was devastated, I had been going for Maths tutoring, so I continued with this until I passed. I then had to make the decision, do I continue to volunteer. I made the decision to never give up so I continued.
Eventually I secured a permanent position in November 2019 after 2.5 years volunteering, my dream job had come true. It’s been six years now and I still absolutely love it. I feel extremely privileged to do the job I do, supporting families on their journey to parenthood. Just that extra care, attention and support can make a world of difference to what is an exciting time but can also be overwhelming. I work with the most amazing team of Midwives, Maternity Support Workers, Housekeepers and Domestics, all of which our department couldn’t do without.
I have been lucky enough to win two awards too! The Cavell Award in 2020 and then the Patient Choice at the Staff Awards last year. I felt truly honoured and rewarded.