Judges say student will inspire others

An ‘inspirational’ student midwife at LJMU has been awarded Student Midwife of the year award at The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards 2016.

Ela Yuregir is a third year midwifery student and is also the founder of the LJMU Midwifery Society, and has been fundamental to its ongoing successful network. She has previously been honoured with “Outstanding Contribution to the workplace” at the University School Awards in 2014.

Ela has organised numerous workshops and fundraising events and is also student quality ambassador at Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital.

Her contribution to the student experience was described as ‘inspirational’ by judges. They said: “Ela has taken academic endeavour forward by publishing her course work.  She is an extremely charismatic student who demonstrates strong role modelling for students and midwives alike. Whilst reluctant to describe herself as a leader, we feel she demonstrates strong leadership qualities.”

Ela said: “Just to be nominated by my peers was a great surprise for me and to attend the awards with them was an incredible experience. I was thrilled to win the award particularly up against such great candidates from across the UK.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my midwifery training at LJMU from day one. The constant support from my academic tutors, faculty, LiverpoolSU and colleagues at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust is what enabled me to carry out the projects that led to my nomination and I will be sad to leave such an amazing programme."

Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “To win an award is a real achievement. It’s truly inspiring to see student midwives like Ela setting up student societies and taking the initiative to organise successful events for her fellow students. The future of midwifery is surely in safe hands with many more hardworking and caring student midwives like Ela across the UK.

“I heartily congratulate Ela on this achievement and thank her and her fellow midwifery students for their dedication, skill and commitment to learning, as well as the care they show to mothers, babies and their families.”

Sue Martin, Programme Lead for Midwifery at the School of Nursing and Allied Health, said: “We’re delighted that Ela has been awarded Student Midwife of the Year at the Royal College of Midwives Annual Midwifery Awards 2016. Representing the School with this prestigious accolade highlights her drive, charisma and the solid efforts she has made in demonstrating a professional work ethic and enhancing student experience while in practice. She has gone above and beyond the expectations we set our students and are proud of all she’s achieved so far. We have no doubt at all that Ela will go on to have a hugely successful career in midwifery and the healthcare sector.”

Pictured, left to right, are: RCM’s Head of Education, Carmel Lloyd, RCM’s Chief Executive Prof Cathy Warwick, RCM I-LEARN Student Midwife of the Year, Ela Yuregir, and BBC Broadcaster, Kate Silverton.

Photo credit: Carmen Valino.