Hampers filled with treats were hand delivered to midwives working across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s maternity services earlier today (Tuesday 5 May 2020) to celebrate International Day of the Midwife.

The wicker baskets, which were put together by an army of volunteers on behalf of the Trust’s dedicated charity, contained gifts such as crisps, sweets, chocolates, and candles, all of which were generously donated by the public. Each basket also contained a little thank you note.

Chief Executive Miles Scott delivered a basket to staff on the Antenatal Ward, Postnatal Ward, Labour Ward, Antenatal Clinic and the Community Midwives at Tunbridge Wells Hospital during which he spoke to staff and thanked them for their work. He then made his way to Crowborough Birthing Centre, which is also run by the Trust, to meet the staff there and present them with a basket too.

Meanwhile, Chief Finance Officer Steve Orpin delivered two baskets and some chocolate Easter eggs, which were donated to the Trust by various companies including Cadbury, Nestle and Mars, to staff working at Maidstone Birth Centre which is based in the grounds of Maidstone Hospital.

As part of the celebrations some of the parents who gave birth over the last couple of weeks thanked MTW NHS Trust’s midwives for all their help and support via a video which has been shared via the Trust’s social media channels.

Sarah Blanchard-Stow, the Trusts’ Divisional Director for Midwifery, Nursing and Quality (DDMNQ), said: “Our midwives play a special part in the lives of thousands of people every year. As well as seeing new life come into the world, which is a truly miraculous event, they also play a vital role when it comes to supporting parents, children and families as a whole.

“Between 1 April 2019 and 30 April 2020 the Trust’s midwives brought 6,024 babies into the world.

“International Day of the Midwife provides us with an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the fantastic work that is carried out day in day out, 365 days of the year by the 256 midwives currently employed by MTW NHS Trust. A huge thank you to each and every one of them.”