Welsh midwife and academic awarded RCM’s Leadership Award at national awards ceremony
on 01 November 2021 RCM Wales Midwifery Midwives Education Midwife Training Student midwives RCM Annual Midwifery Awards RCM CEO RCM President
Grace Thomas, a Reader in Midwifery, and the Lead Midwife for Education at Cardiff University, has been recognised for her leadership skills at the RCM’s Annual Midwifery Awards. Described as an inspirational leader who demonstrates excellence in all spheres by her colleagues, Grace accepted her award from musician and broadcaster Myleene Klass at the awards ceremony which took place in London.
Commenting RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton said: “Grace has demonstrated all the characteristics of a truly great midwifery leader and thoroughly deserves this award and recognition. She has demonstrated great insight, compassionate leadership, which is not only benefiting midwifery students, but the wider midwifery world. Grace has played a lead role in developing midwifery education nationally and internationally and is a well-respected leader whose commitment and compassionate to midwifery leadership should be an inspiration to all”.
Before becoming the Lead Midwife for Education Grace was a Consultant Midwife and, always mindful of her strong practice roots, she has brought her considerable clinical skills, knowledge, and experience to her educational role. This has meant the midwifery curriculum at Cardiff University is well-grounded in high quality, sensitive and respectful care that prioritises the needs and rights of women and their families.
Commenting after winning the award, Grace Thomas said;
“I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award for Leadership, particularly having been nominated by the amazing team I work alongside at Cardiff University. My goal is developing and supporting safe, skilled, respectful and compassionate care for women and families by enabling students and staff alike through kindness, inspiration and innovative learning. Working closely with colleagues across all health professions, especially during this immensely challenging pandemic, is a privilege. The RCM Awards are such a welcome celebration of all the incredible hard work and dedication of all our colleagues across academia and clinical services. Thank you for this honour.”
Professor David Whitaker., Head and Dean of the School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University, said:
“This was a thoroughly deserved award – I had the pleasure of attending the awards event and it was clear how much the leading voices in Midwifery respected Grace and acknowledged her Leadership talents.”
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email [email protected].
Notes to editors
Full list of winners here: https://www.rcm.org.uk/media-releases/2021/october/national-midwifery-awards-honour-midwives-and-maternity-support-workers/
For more information on the RCM awards https://www.rcmawards.com/
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team