A SPECIAL delivery for Royal Surrey County Hospital midwife Jacqui Tingle was her Surrey Star Award of employee of the year.

The achievements of the “truly outstanding” senior nurse, who is the deputy director of midwifery and divisional head of nursing for women and children, were recognised at the hospital’s annual NHS awards event.

This year Jacqui played a key role in securing an ‘outstanding’ rating for the Royal Surrey’s maternity services from the Care Quality Commission. She was nominated by colleagues who commended her commitment to patient care and improving services.

Jacqui said: “I was humbled to be named as employee of the year.

“I’m blessed to work with a really amazing team who are hard-working, dedicated and committed to delivering the very best that they can for patients every day.

“I absolutely love my job and would like to thank everyone who nominated me.”

Royal Surrey chief executive Louise Stead said: “Jacqui is a deserving Surrey Star award winner. The team she leads has proudly earned an outstanding rating from national regulators and has also been accredited as a Gold Baby Friendly Service after undertaking UNICEF’s rigorous assessment process.

“A number of colleagues nominated Jacqui and described her as a truly outstanding senior nursing manager and practising midwife, who is universally admired and respected by her colleagues for her passion to deliver excellent care to patients.

“We are proud of what Jacqui and the team have achieved but they were not alone. We were thrilled by the hundreds of nominations that were submitted and touched by the stories that were shared.

“It is so important that Royal Surrey takes the time to recognise the inspirational work of our colleagues.

“All of the finalists and winners demonstrated outstanding care and commitment to our patients.

“The nominations and the finalists really do reflect the many important parts and roles that make Royal Surrey what it is.”

“We are so proud to be able to celebrate their stories in the year that the NHS marks its 70th birthday.”

The hospital’s maternity unit, which Jacqui leads, undertook UNICEF’s rigorous assessment in the spring and received its gold award in June. The department has maintained its Baby Friendly accreditation for 20 years and is one of only a few organisations in the county to be awarded UNICEF’s gold rating.

It recognises that the Baby Friendly standards, and the high quality care they represent, are embedded within the department’s culture and values.

While every single member of the multi-disciplinary team can take credit for this prestigious award, special recognition went to the infant feeding team, who completed the rigorous assessment process while continuing to maintain its excellent clinical service.