The Neonatal Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital has been shortlisted for a national award that celebrates ‘outstanding’ contributions in perinatal care.

Senior Neonatal Nurse, Liz Howey has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Individual award, whilst the Antenatal Optimisation Team have been named as finalists in the Outstanding Team category.

The BAPM awards recognise teams and individuals who go above and beyond in big and small ways to make things better for patients and colleagues.

Patricia Lindley, Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, nominated her colleague Liz:

Liz is an amazing nurse who works hard to improve wellbeing on our unit. She values and appreciates her colleagues on a personal level.

“Over the past year Liz has led on the introduction of regular wellbeing sessions, which are highly valued by the whole team and make a big difference to team morale, as well as important initiatives around bereavement care.

“Liz is an inspiring leader who educates us all, leading to better team work on the unit and better care for our patients.

The Antenatal Optimisation team work together to improve health outcomes for babies born before 34 weeks.

Dr Archana Mishra, Neonatal Clinical Lead at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, commented:

We’re providing regular education and training sessions for midwives, junior doctors and nurses which is already resulting in big improvements.

“The team have also established an ‘Optimisation passport’ for midwifery, neonatal colleagues and families to improve the outcomes for our babies born prematurely.

“I’m so proud of all of the staff on NICU and in the Delivery Suite who go above and beyond and continue to be motivated to make a real difference to the lives our babies and their families.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 12 September 2023 at the BAPM Annual Conference.