Princess delivers top prize to midwife

Reporter: Marina Berry
Date online: 16 February 2010

AN OLDHAM midwife rubbed shoulders with a Royal after scooping a national award.

Helen Hindle earned a prize from the Royal College of Midwives for her work to safeguard pregnant women.

And she received it from the Princess Royal at a glittering awards ceremony in Kensington, London.

Helen, who is also a senior lecturer at Salford University, won the Department of Health award for implementing Government policy, along with fellow lecturer, Kathryn Murphy.

They were recognised for their work in helping midwives recognise early signs of deterioration and collapse among women during pregnancy and childbirth. Helen said the accolade, awarded after the pair gave a presentation on their work, was a huge surprise, adding: “We were really thrilled and delighted to receive the award.

“We were lucky enough to be introduced to Princess Anne before the awards, and she asked us about our project as she presented us with our trophy.

“As she is a great ambassador for midwifery, it was so good to see her in the flesh.”

The picture shows Helen and Kathryn Murphy receiving their awards from Princess Anne.