International year of the nurse and the midwife: Natalie Whitton

April 1, 2020

This year marks International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, a campaign by the World Health Organisation in honour of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.

Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services in our workplace. They devote their lives to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving immunisations and health advice; looking after older people and generally meeting everyday essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities. Throughout the year we will be highlighting some of our nurses, HCAs and midwives who are making a difference to our patients.

Today we feature Natalie Whitton, Matron.

Natalie was inspired to be a nurse by her aunt. She started her career as a student nurse with our organisation in 2004. At this time, Natalie had two young children and was juggling this alongside her studies wasn’t easy, but she was determined to achieve her goal.

16 months after qualifying, she had been promoted to a ward sister. Natalie briefly spent time away from the Trust, before being encouraged by her previous manager to apply for a senior sister post in primary care, communities and therapies. She was successful and returned home in January 2017.

After an impressive 18 months, she has now been successful in obtaining a matron post.

Natalie would go on to win the New Leader of the Year Award at the 2018 Star Awards.

Do you now a nurse, HCA or midwife who is gong above and beyond to deliver quality care? Contact the communications team swb-tr.SWBH-GM-Staff-Communications@nhs.net