Evelina London honours outstanding nurses and midwives

Tinu Ademefun, who won the Evelina London Nurse of the Year award.

Colleagues across Evelina London have been celebrating our outstanding nurses and midwives. Trust awards were given to those who have gone above and beyond for children, young people, women and families, and supported one another.

Congratulations to four of the Evelina London team who won awards, including senior staff nurse, Atinuke ‘Tinu’ Ademefun; midwife, Florence Awichi; maternity support worker, Teresa Fuller; and midwifery matron, Marie Gribben.

Janet Powell, Director of Nursing at Evelina London, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our nurses and midwives, and this annual awards ceremony is a great way to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication. Over the past two years they have gone the extra mile in providing compassionate care, alongside showing great professionalism and skills during such a challenging time.”

Atinuke ‘Tinu’ Ademefun was awarded Evelina London Nurse of the Year. Senior staff nurse, Tinu, cares for children and young people who have regular dialysis treatment. Colleagues who nominated Tinu for the award said she always involves children and young people in their treatment and takes the time to thoroughly explain information to them. She always encourages her team to develop their skills and student nurses enjoy her tailor-made presentations and quizzes. A colleague who nominated Tinu, said: “She always puts patients first whether it’s easing their anxieties regarding procedures, or making toast in the mornings. She provides excellent holistic care. She is a proud nurse working to the highest standards, encouraging others to do so.”

Florence Awichi, who leads a team of community midwives, was named Midwife of the Year. She was recognised for her calm and compassionate leadership style, and her expertise in caring for women who have more complex social and medical care needs. Nominations for Florence included: “Flo is an exceptional midwife, always striving to provide high standard care for all the women. She takes pride in what she does and always puts women first by going the extra mile to assist colleagues.”

Community and antenatal clinic matron, Marie Gribben, won Midwifery Matron of the Year. Marie was recognised for her empathetic and caring nature towards people accessing antenatal care in the community or at St Thomas’ Hospital. As well as going the extra mile in supporting colleagues with the challenges of the pandemic. A colleague commented: “She is an excellent role model, always visible, hands on and supportive in all aspects.”

Teresa Fuller won Maternity Support Worker of the Year. Teresa was highlighted for always taking pride in what she does. A colleague commented upon how, “Teresa puts women and their families first to ensure they are comfortable following birth and getting them ready to be moved to the postnatal ward or remaining on the Home from Home Birth Centre”.

Now in its sixth year, the Trust’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards honoured 24 individuals and a team. The award ceremony took place at St Thomas’ Hospital and was streamed for colleagues to watch online.

A huge congratulations to all of the award winners.