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An NHS trust’s maternity team has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of its dedication to inclusive care.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust’s Health Inclusion Midwifery Service is up for the Royal College of Midwives Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health Award.

The project was born out of a need to better serve the local asylum hotels and Afghan Resettlement accommodations, the trust said.

Tina Hetherington, chief nurse at the trust, said it highlighted the impact of the team’s “dedication and innovation”.

“This recognition is proof of the incredible work our maternity team has done to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, receive the care and support they deserve,” she said.

The service was created after gathering data on the maternity outcomes of women seeking asylum and conducting focus groups.

The trust said the project had created a safe space for women who had experienced significant trauma, while midwives found the service supported their ability to deliver woman-centred care, especially when looking after women seeking asylum.

The maternity team also recently became the first in the country to receive the Maternity Service of Sanctuary Award from City of Sanctuary, which the trust said highlighted its commitment to providing compassionate and responsive care to the most vulnerable women in the community.

The awards, which are regarded as one of the highest accolades within the field, take place in October.

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