A student from the University of Worcester, has been recognised at the 2024 Student Nursing Times Awards.

Worcester University's Ash Bainbridge has been declared Student Midwife of the Year, based on their exceptional efforts to create inclusivity and safety in maternity services for the LGBTQ+ community.

Having been previously shortlisted for the prestigious Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion in 2022, this is the second time in the spotlight at this esteemed event.

In the award citation, the judges said: "Ash demonstrates such grace and passion for midwifery and making the service better for all.

Worcester News: Ash Bainbridge has been working on inclusivity and making maternity a safer space for those from

"Ash is striving for justice and equity within the maternity space, and stressing that focusing on intersectionality is imperative for improving maternity services and the wider NHS."

Following the victory, they expressed their gratitude, saying: "I'm very grateful to have been awarded Student Midwife of the Year and still can’t quite believe it!

"My aim is to improve perinatal care for LGBTQ+ people building families via pregnancy while championing the students and midwives who serve them."

The winning student's work has been published academically, and they have successfully delivered gender inclusion training to both students and professionals in healthcare across the UK.

Notably, they served as the Gender Inclusion Advisor for the MAMA Academy, a charity focused on enhancing pregnancy safety.

They also held the role of Trustee for the White Ribbon Alliance UK.

During the acceptance speech, they credited their victorious exploits and accolades to the key student midwives and the staff at the University of Worcester.

Their personal experience as a parent-of-two has been pivotal in their midwifery journey.

Reflecting on these experiences, they said: "I experienced the difference a midwife makes who listens, educates, and facilitates informed choice during such a short, yet transformational period in someone’s life."

For more information on the courses available at the University of Worcester, please visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.