Hallam student named Student Midwife of the Year

8th March 2019

A Sheffield Hallam University student midwife has won the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Pregnacare Student Midwife of the Year award.

Katy Ellis was presented with her award at a ceremony in London yesterday (March 5) by host and BBC's the One Show presenter Alex Jones. The Pregnacare Student Midwife of the Year award recognises an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to their future profession through their activism, initiative and leadership. Katy was shortlisted for the award in January and was announced as the overall winner due to her work on several projects at Sheffield Hallam, representing and supporting fellow student midwives both at the University and in the wider community. She is currently the president of Sheffield Hallam's midwifery society where she has developed self-care activities and a strong support network for midwifery students. Speaking after the ceremony, Katy said: "I feel exceptionally lucky to have had the opportunity to attend the RCM awards yesterday. It was a real celebration of the profession and I feel honoured to have been a part of it. "I am still in shock that I won the award for Student Midwife of the Year, I really could not have done it without the support I receive from my lecturers, peers and mentors. I hope this inspires other students to believe in themselves and celebrate their own achievements, big and small." Deputy head of department and lead midwife for education Rachael Spencer, said: "We could not be more proud of Katy. It is an incredible achievement to be named as the RCM Pregnacare Student Midwife of the Year 2019. "Katy shows outstanding initiative, leadership skills and professionalism that will see her flourish as she progresses in her midwifery career. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the midwifery profession, her student peers and the wider department has been exemplary. "She is a wonderful example of a caring, capable and compassionate midwifery study and a great ambassador for Sheffield Hallam University. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Katy as she embarks on her career as a midwife." Commenting on Katy's achievement, RCM chief executive Gill Walton, said: "It is truly inspiring to see student midwives like Katy, who are so dedicated and passionate about entering the midwifery profession and who encourage others to do the same. "The work that Katy has done to establish a strong midwifery society within the university that runs learning events that are relevant to the world that midwives practice in is so important. I heartily congratulate Katy on this achievement." Sheffield Hallam University is the largest provider of health and social care education in England. With courses covering all aspects of healthcare including: nursing, midwifery, allied health, social care and sport, its curriculum creates the skilled workforce the NHS needs to deliver better long-term health outcomes for the nation. Over the last five years, almost 7,000 students have qualified as healthcare professionals from Sheffield Hallam. Health professional trainees benefit from an interdisciplinary teaching approach, working with partners and academics who are leaders in their fields. The University's partnerships with hospital trusts, social care providers and leading health charities, provides around 20,000 placement opportunities for Sheffield Hallam's healthcare students each year.