As regular readers of my blog will know, I love to celebrate our colleagues in the Nursing profession.

This edition is no exception but nevertheless one which involves mixed emotions as we say farewell to one senior member of staff and welcome another in her place.

I’m paying tribute to Carla Jones-Charles, Divisional Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

First of all I’d like to thank Carla for all her amazing work in developing and supporting the Midwifery agenda at Walsall. I’m particularly proud of the work she and her team have done with Walsall Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) and the co-design and co-production she’s been involved in. She says the Chair and Vice Chair have been “phenomenal” and I know how much we value this group’s engagement and involvement.

The MVP is an NHS working group: a team of women and their families, commissioners and providers (Midwives and Doctors) working together to review and contribute to the development of local maternity care.

Another of Carla’s achievements is her integral role in our new Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU) which is being relocated within Walsall Manor Hospital. I know this is a particular source of pride for her as it has been such a big step for us as an organisation and provides more choice for our women and families.

She’s also rightfully really proud of her team which shows a true multi-professional working approach that is about Maternity Services as a whole, not solely Midwives and Obstetricians.

I know Carla wants to recognise the fact she’s worked with some fantastic colleagues and I wish her well in her new role at University Hospitals Birmingham.

Stepping up to replace Carla is Joselle Wright. Congratulations Jo and welcome to the senior nursing management team. I’m confident you will rise to the challenge and I wish you good luck.

Take care,

Ann-Marie