A University of Bedfordshire student who has been training at Bedford Hospital has brought home the top prize at this year’s Student Nursing Times Awards.
Third-year student, Chelsea Beckford-Procyk, was presented with the Student Midwife of the Year award at the event at Grosvenor House Hotel in London last Friday (27 May).
She was also nominated in the ‘Mary Seacole Award’ category, recognising students’ outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion within nursing and healthcare.
Based at Bedford Hospital, Chelsea is currently in her final year of studying BSc (Hons) Midwifery with the University’s Faculty of Health & Social Sciences (HSS).
She also hosts a blog/podcast called Blk Mum to Midwife and has been a champion of anti-racism in maternity care, speaking at events and publishing articles on the subject.
Speaking about her win, Chelsea said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the Student Nursing Times Student Midwife of the Year.
“I decided to take on extra-curricular work on anti-racism in midwifery care because it was something I am passionate about.
“To receive recognition for this on such a large platform shows that my voice matters and my work is of value. This really motivates me to keep going and I’m really looking forward to seeing where my future career path takes me.”
Dr Louise Grant, Executive Dean of HSS, said Chelsea was a credit to the University and highlighted the quality of their partnership with Bedfordshire Hospital Trust.
“The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Education in our Faculty is exceptionally proud of Chelsea’s achievement,” said Dr Grant.
“Highlighting the importance of anti-racist maternity care is absolutely essential if we are to address the inequalities in health Black, Asian and other minoritised women experience as outlined in a recent report.”
Alongside her training, Chelsea also helps to train hypnobirthing instructors for the Little Birth Company and runs workshops for fellow student midwives and birth workers.
Liz Lees, Chief Nurse at the Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust, said: “On behalf of Bedfordshire Hospitals I would like to say a big congratulations to Chelsea on winning this award.
“Inclusivity is one of our core values and Chelsea has taken on extra responsibilities to educate and inform her colleagues about incredibly important issues.
“It is fantastic to see individuals with such passion enter the midwifery profession. I am looking forward to seeing Chelsea start what I am certain will be a successful career in midwifery and inspiration for others to join such an amazing profession.”
