National recognition for Mid Yorkshire Director of Midwifery

Anne-Marie Henshaw pictured receiving her award alongside Trust staff

Pictured: Dr Sarah Winfield (Consultant Obstetrician), Ann-Marie Orr (Matron), Tove Crookes (Maternity Patient Safety Specialist), Michala Little (Head of Midwifery), Claire Keegan (Regional Deputy Chief Midwife), Kate Brintworth (Chief Midwifery Officer for England), Dr Anne-Marie Henshaw (Director of Midwifery and Women’s Health), Len Richards (Chief Executive)

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s Director of Midwifery and Women’s Health, Dr Anne-Marie Henshaw, has been honoured with NHS England’s prestigious Chief Midwifery Officer ‘Gold’ Award; a national award which recognises significant and outstanding contribution to midwifery practice.

The award, presented for "outstanding achievements and performance demonstrated by a midwife in their sphere of practice," acknowledges Dr Henshaw’s exceptional contributions and distinguished career in midwifery.

Speaking of her accomplishment, Dr Henshaw said: “I am delighted to receive this recognition and want to celebrate and thank the many teams I’ve worked with over my career in clinical practice, education and research. I’ve been privileged to work with the most amazing women, parents, families and professionals. I hope they’re equally proud of all that’s been achieved, and looking forward to all that is to come.”

Dr Tracey Cooper MBE, NHS England Chief Midwife for North East and Yorkshire, Claire Keegan her Deputy and Beverley Waterhouse, a previous colleague, nominated Dr Henshaw for this award. Dr Cooper remarked: “Anne-Marie has dedicated most of her life to midwifery. We are incredibly fortunate that she chose our profession, bringing her skills and experience to shape services. Anne-Marie’s leadership has been strong, courageous, and effective. She has improved the wellbeing of the teams she has worked with, created opportunities for career progression, and enhanced quality and safety for women, birthing people, and their families, positively impacting their childbirth journeys.”

Dr Henshaw’s career in midwifery has been long and varied, encompassing numerous leadership roles within the NHS, academia, and the local maternity system.

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, who presented the award, added: “Anne-Marie's dedication and influence in midwifery have been transformative, and this award is a fitting recognition of her remarkable achievements.”

Len Richards, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “This award is a true testament to Anne-Marie’s inspirational leadership and transformation of maternity services here at Mid Yorkshire. Thank you, Anne-Marie, for your hard work and commitment to the service.”

Dr Henshaw’s recognition underscores the profound impact of her work and her enduring legacy in midwifery.