“Every day, I witness courage, connection and the meaning of life.”

05 May 2026 - On International Day of the Midwife 2026, staff across the Trust came together to highlight the amazing work of midwives globally.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust held several events at King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) today to celebrate the work of its midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers. This included a flower arranging workshop and a special breakfast event at PRUH, massages for midwives at King’s College Hospital, as well as cake and healthy treats for staff at our hospitals.

Liz, a student midwife at King’s College Hospital explained why she chose to take up the profession: “It all began when I gave birth to my own son in 2020 during COVID, where the midwives really, really made my own experience extra special.  And since then I’ve aways had the thought to getting into midwifery, because it’s such an impactful role to have.”

Nikki Balm, Maternity Unit Coordinator (left, main image), Sharon Howard-Lee, Midwifery Practice Leader (middle, main image), and Daphne Kelly, Matron (right, main image), are all based at PRUH and between them have 99 years’ experience of maternity care. Daphne said: “I love my job. I love being a midwife. The main focus here is on safety, compassionate care and compassionate leadership.” Nikki added: “It’s a privilege to be a midwife. It’s a unique relationship with a family during one of the most important times of their lives,” while Sharon said: “I am proud to be part of the midwife profession. I love coming to work and I love working as part of a team. Every day, I witness courage, connection and the meaning of life.”

The flower arranging workshop was partly funded by King’s College Hospital Charity, and organised by midwife Lucy Summers, her mum Jackie and Tania Munoz, Professional Midwife Advocate. Tania said: “We’re trying to build up more events so that we can socialise as a team – this really helps to connect us all.”

Tracey Carter, Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery at King’s, said: “This International Day of the Midwife, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our midwives and maternity teams across the Trust. Your role in caring for women, birthing people, and families at some of the most profound, joyful and vulnerable moments in their lives should never be underestimated, and I am grateful for the outstanding care you provide every single day.

“Even in difficult circumstances, midwives continue to show resilience, professionalism and a commitment to safe, personalised care. That dedication does not go unnoticed, and it matters profoundly to the communities we serve.

“In keeping with the theme for this year’s celebrations of ‘One Million More Midwives’ we have spoken to some of our student midwifes to hear what inspired them to get into midwifery – today is about celebrating the present, but also looking to the future, and I know that you will all continue to work tirelessly to support the next generation and strengthen the profession in the here and now.”

King’s is one of the busiest maternity services in London and the South East, and  last year our maternity teams supported the delivery of 7,321 babies.