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Independent midwife recognised

15/09/2017

The University of Wolverhampton has recognised the “passion and commitment” of a West Midlands independent midwife with a special award.

Founder of ‘Midwifery Conversations’ Elsie Gayle was presented with an Honorary Fellowship on Monday, 18 September 2017 during the University’s graduation ceremonies.

The honour was made at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre in recognition of Elsie’s contribution and passion towards midwifery and her commitment towards the BME community and women’s rights, particularly in the areas of childbirth and mental health services.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this high award from the University of Wolverhampton. In accepting this Honorary Fellowship I would like to acknowledge my family, friends, colleagues and clients who continue to support my journey to achieving critical improvements in public health and wellbeing.”        

Elsie Gayle is the founder of ‘Midwifery Conversations’ a holistic non-governmental organisation dedicated to sustainable and ‘culturally safe’ maternity services.

Born in Jamaica, Elsie came to England in the 1970s to train as a nurse, then midwife. Living in the West Midlands since the 90’s, she has also worked in Jamaica and Botswana where her work focussed on prevention of mother to baby transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Regularly called upon to speak nationally and internationally, Elsie is Patient Leader for NHS Midlands and East, and regional lead for maternity, obstetrics, patient safety and patient voice within the Healthwatch and Public Involvement Association.

Elsie belongs to Wolverhampton’s African Caribbean Community Initiative. She works to reduce workplace bullying as chair of the Tim Field Memorial Lecture Committee; is a member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s BME Research Advisory forum, dedicated to improving the regulatory experience of nurses and midwives; and co-chairs the Society of African and Caribbean Midwives in the UK

The University of Wolverhampton awards honorary degrees to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

Graduation takes place at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, from Friday 15 September to Friday, 22 September 2017.

For more information about University of Wolverhampton courses visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/clearing 

Further information

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