Outstanding Swansea nursing and midwifery students shortlisted for national award

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Two Human and Heath Sciences students from Swansea University have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award, which recognises exceptional professional skills and potential.

Student nurse Joseph Polson and student midwife Lindsay Skyrme from the University’s College of Human and Health Sciences have been nominated for the UK’s only scholarships for Student Nurses and Midwives, run by the Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

There are five award categories covering academic achievement, outstanding student midwife and nurse, leadership and community.

Joseph has been shortlisted for the Edith Cavell Leadership award and Lindsay is in the running for the Academic Achievement title.

The finalists will be chosen in February by a panel of eminent judges, comprising leading nurses and midwives, including Professor Lesley Page, President of the Royal College of Midwives.  Joseph and Lindsay will be interviewed by the panel, alongside 27 other candidates.

Winners of the top awards will receive up to £2,000 to further their professional practice either in this country or internationally, in conjunction with their university.

Joe PolsonJulia Terry, Senior Lecturer and Team Lead for Mental Health Nursing at Swansea University, said: “The Mental Health teaching team are extremely proud of Joe (pictured) being shortlisted for the Edith Cavell Scholarship.

“He is an enthusiastic and innovative student, and has shown great passion about improving mental healthcare since he started the BSc (Hons) Mental health nursing programme at Swansea University.

“Joe is highly motivated, and gives 100 per cent to all his endeavours. He is highly regarded by his student peers. We wish him all the very best with his application.”  

‌Susanne Darra, Associate Professor and Head of Midwifery Education and LME at Swansea University, said: “The midwifery teaching team is thrilled that our excellent student midwife Lindsay Skyrme (pictured) has been shortlisted for the Edith Cavell Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. We do not believe that the Trust would get a more deserving winner of the Award.

“Lindsay entered university through a non-traditional route but she is a voracious learner and a deep thinker. Despite her academic brilliance she always has midwifery practice at the heart of her knowledge acquisition, which is evident from all her mentors’ comments and practice marks.

Lindsay Skyrme“We are sure that if she is fortunate enough to win the Award she will use it to enhance her own knowledge and develop her skills in order to help women and their families. She will also ensure that she shares her experience through her very popular student blog.”

Previous winners of the scholarships have used these outstanding opportunities to study and work in India and Africa and last year’s winner of the leadership award travelled to the Andes in Peru to help nurse families afflicted by poisoned water courses, a result of mining activity.

For further information about Cavell Nurses' Trust, please visit www.cavellnursestrust.org or call 01527 595999.