The University of West London

Student Midwives delivers at the University

Thursday 31 May 2012

Two students at the University's College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare have been named Students of the Year for midwifery.

Final year students Sophie Hopkins won the award from NHS London and Sharon Andrews from NHS Berkshire for the way in which they've excelled during their work placements, their academic performance during the course of their studies and the support they have given to other students.

Sophie, who has delivered 41 babies, hopes that this prestigious accolade will give her already impressive CV a boost.

The awards were presented at the Student Midwives Conference which took place on Wednesday 23 May 2012 at the University's Brentford campus.

The conference was an opportunity for students to hear from former students and current midwives from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Wexham Park and Heatherwood NHS Foundation Trust and NHS South of England.
Students listened to a range of topics connected to midwifery and had the chance to pose questions to the esteemed panel of speakers.

Commenting on her Student of the Year for midwifery award, Sophie Hopkins said:

'The award was such a lovely surprise and it is great for my hard work to be recognised.  I have really enjoyed studying at the University and felt really supported by my lecturers.  It has been a great experience and I look forward continuing in midwifery.'

Sharon also added:

'I just can't begin to tell you how proud I am that I was nominated to receive the midwifery student of the year award.  I remain absolutely overwhelmed and honoured and have to keep reading my letter to remind myself that it is real!  I am forever talking about recognising and valuing individuals and teams for their contribution and this for me is the absolute highest accolade I could ever receive - thank you so much.'

Jancis Shepherd, Lead Midwife for Education at the University's College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, said:

'Sophie has been a superb student ambassador and set representative.  She is always helpful, well balanced, articulate and passionate.  Sharon has also been a set representative; again articulate, passionate and with considered constructive ideas.  Sharon has set up the student buddying system at the Royal Berkshire Hospital which is currently having a positive impact on the quality of student experience.'