It is with great pleasure that I nominate Nicola for the DAISY Leader Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a senior midwife and her unwavering commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and person-centred care. She consistently creates a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for patients, their partners, babies, families, and colleagues, ensuring that everyone feels valued, heard, and treated with dignity. At the heart of Nicola’s practice is genuine kindness and compassion. She approaches every individual with empathy and sensitivity, recognising and respecting diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences.

Women and families in her care often speak of feeling listened to, supported, and empowered, particularly during vulnerable or challenging moments. She is a strong advocate for informed choice and autonomy, ensuring care is inclusive and tailored to each family’s needs and wishes. As a senior midwife, Nicola is a pillar of support within the team. She leads with warmth and humility, fostering an inclusive culture where staff feel safe asking questions, sharing concerns, and learning. Her mentorship is grounded in encouragement and understanding, and she takes time to nurture confidence and professional growth in others. Colleagues consistently describe her as approachable, supportive, and deeply compassionate.

Nicola truly embodies the values of the DAISY Award. Her inclusivity, kindness, compassion, and dedication to high-quality midwifery care make her an exceptional senior midwife and a role model within the profession, and thereby make her very well deserving of a DAISY Award.