A woman who works tirelessly to support midwives and empower women during childbirth has been nominated in this year’s Comet Community Awards.
The annual awards aim to recognise unsung heroes, and 34-year-old midwife Holly Martinez – a manager at the Diamond Jubilee Maternity Unit at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital – has been nominated in the Nurse/Care Worker of the Year category by her colleague Carly Barnes.
Carly said: “She runs the birthing unit at Lister and has been manager there for three years.
“In that time she has continued to support and empower women in childbirth in a safe and welcoming environment, and has also worked alongside our team to continuously improve and grow the services at Lister.
“Holly’s day-to-day job includes helping with births and working alongside staff to support them and offer new ideas and fresh opinions.
“She tirelessly works to support the midwives and women in labour, including helping to introduce reflexology clinics and active birth classes.
“She has been driving forward with new ideas, for example getting a lead specialist in Spinning Babies - improving foetal position and reducing the need for a caesarean - to come and teach the midwives.
“Nothing is ever too much trouble and Holly is constantly looking at new ways to provide a home-from-home atmosphere.”
Carly added: “Holly says running a birthing unit is her dream job and she is always wanting to give her all to support women and her team.
“I think Holly deserves this award because she is an amazing team player who would never expect such an honour.”
Holly said: “The nomination is a total surprise and I’m over the moon. I’ve been a midwife since 2005 and it’s the most special job you could ever have - helping to bring another life into the world.”
This year’s Comet Community Awards have 12 categories – including Parent in a Million, Great and Green and the Lifetime Achievement Award – and there is no limit to the number of categories individuals or groups can be nominated for.
To make a nomination, before April 13, visit www.cometcommunityawards.co.uk.
A shortlist of finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges from our event sponsors and invited to a ceremony at Hotel Cromwell in Stevenage’s Old Town on May 18.
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