Fund Recognises Incredible Work of Midwives and Nurses
Nominations are now open for a €7,500 fund which recognises the
incredible work of Irish midwives, neonatal nurses, and community-based nurses
Irish brand WaterWipes, supported by the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA), is proud to again launch the Pure Foundation Fund to acknowledge excellence in midwifery, neonatal and postnatal nursing. Now in its second year the bursary scheme recognises the ‘incredible work’ of midwives, neonatal nurses and community-based nurses involved in the pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey. Nominations are now open on waterwipes.com with a closing date of 22nd November.
The fund totalling €7,500 will be awarded to three outstanding winners in the field of midwifery and nursing specifically involved in all aspects of baby and infant care. Each winner will receive €2,500 for their department to advance the care of parents and babies, for example, through the purchase of equipment, resources for parents, training, improve practice/care or support further research relating to pregnancy, baby care and neonatal care.
The fund aims to highlight and celebrate the incredible work of these often-unrecognised healthcare heroes and their ongoing commitment to providing support, compassion and care for others.
Speaking at the launch of the Pure Foundation Fund 2021, Ailbhe O’Briain WaterWipes HCP Marketing Manager UK & Ireland commented,
“Last year we launched the inaugural fund to recognise the incredible work of midwives and nurses across the country during the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Quite simply we were overwhelmed by the volume of nominations as well as the incredible moving stories of how so many of these unsung heroes go beyond every day to care for infants and their parents, in a way that has a lasting positive effect on all involved. They are truly remarkable. In addition, as a brand we are passionate about infant care and are committed to supporting programmes and research that furthers the standards of patient care in Ireland and the fund aims to achieve this at a grass roots level. This year we have added a third category winner so there really is no better time to get behind the fund and nominate or indeed encourage a midwife, neonatal nurse or community-based nurse involved in infant care to self-nominate”.
INMO Head of Education and Professional Development, Steve Pitman said “This is an important time to recognise the contributions of nurses and midwives throughout the pandemic. We have seen extraordinary commitment from these healthcare professionals recently, as they continue to provide outstanding and vital care to women and their babies, in the most difficult circumstances. The passion for patient care that drives Ireland’s nurses and midwives has shone through in these challenging times and we would urge healthcare staff around the country to put forward their work or their colleagues’ work for the recognition it deserves. Our thanks to WaterWipes for their support of our professions.”
Commenting further on the initiative, Mandy Daly, Director of Advocacy and Policymaking, Irish Neonatal Health Alliance, said “Midwives, Neonatal Nurses and Community Based Nurses are an integral part of every family’s pregnancy journey, providing invaluable support, advice, encouragement and continuity of care. The INHA is delighted to support the Pure Foundation Fund in recognition and acknowledgment of the contribution of nurses to excellence in maternity care in Ireland”.
To self-nominate or to nominate a midwife, neonatal nurse or community-based nurse involved in the care of infants for the fund, simply visit WaterWipes.com and complete the relevant nomination form. Terms and conditions apply. A representative from WaterWipes, INMO and INHA will examine all submissions and will select the final three winners. The deadline for entries is 22nd November 2021.