Midwife Bethany Wallace shortlisted for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care

The compassionate care of a midwife at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has put her in the running for a prestigious award.

Bethany Wallace, who has been at UHCW for 18 months, has been shortlisted for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care.

The prize is handed out by Sands, a national charity working to save babies’ lives and support families.

Bereaved parents and other family members were asked to nominate a health professional whose care had a big impact on their wellbeing after pregnancy or baby loss.

“I’m not certain who has nominated me but I’m very proud to be shortlisted,” said Bethany, who has been a midwife for four years.

“For someone who has gone through such a tough time to do this is lovely. It’s nice to know I have made a difference to them.

“Sometimes it’s just showing time and understanding and building up a rapport. It’s so important that parents in that situation feel listened to.”

The award is named after Elaine Thorp, a midwife who throughout her 40-year career in the NHS was instrumental in providing bereavement care and support to parents.

She was a true pioneer and offered families what are now considered essential elements of care such as memory boxes, cold cots, and being able to bath, dress and spend time with their baby.

Bethany will find out if she has won at a ceremony at Broadway House in London on Thursday 9^th November.