The head of midwifery for the Stockport NHS maternity service has received a top national award in recognition for her outstanding care and leadership.
Sharon Hyde, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Director of Midwifery received the Cavell Star award, which celebrates the best standards of nursing care and leadership across the UK.
Sharon has worked in the NHS for over 40 years, and has been a midwife for 37 years. She took up the role of head of midwifery based at Stepping Hill Hospital seven years ago, having previously held the same position at Wythenshawe Hospital.
During that time she has headed a service bringing over 22,000 new babies into the world in Stockport.
She has been described by colleagues as someone who leads with compassion, integrity and humility, placing women, babies and families at the heard of every decision she makes, while creating an environment in which colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver outstanding care.
The Cavell Nurses Trust is a charity which supports nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants, providing grants, advice and a listening ear to those who may be experiencing difficulty. Its Star Awards are offered to outstanding members of these professions across the UK, who go above and beyond in their duties.
Helen Howard, Deputy Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “It’s fantastic to see Sharon being awarded with the Cavell Star award, which she truly deserves.
At a time when maternity services face unprecedented pressures, Sharon’s steadfast commitment, kindness and professionalism have never wavered. She leads by example every single day, demonstrating the values of the NHS through her actions rather than her words.
Forty years of service is an extraordinary achievement, but it is the way Sharon has served, with compassion, dignity, courage and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women, babies and colleagues, that truly sets her apart. Sharon is an exceptional leader, an outstanding midwife and a credit to the NHS.”