Legacy of popular Co Down midwife lives on with award honouring her memory

The legacy of a Northern Ireland midwife is living on thanks to an exceptional award launched by her family following her passing.

Ulster Hospital Midwifery Sister Julie Dunlop was presented with the Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award recently to mark the International Day of the Midwife.

It was launched in February 2022 by the Royal College of Midwives South Eastern HSC Trust Branch after the family of the Co Down midwife presented them with the award in her memory.

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Mum-of-three Hazel, from Bangor, passed away in January 2021, aged 66. She began her career in 1978 and worked tirelessly over the years to support her colleagues at the Ulster with her warm personality and generous spirit.

Hazel was very passionate about her midwifery career and devoted a large amount of her own time and energy to the work of the Royal College of Midwives where she held the title of Honorary Chairperson.

The award honours a midwife nominated by their peers for going the extra mile, someone who is a positive role model and who makes a difference by their words or actions, working at any level within midwifery.

This is a fitting tribute to Hazel who approached all situations with compassion, supported staff wellbeing and demonstrated great commitment to professional collaboration with all the members of the healthcare team, regardless of their position within the team.

Delighted to present the Hazel McCalister award, Hazel’s husband John said: “It is great that Hazel has left a legacy and this award acts as a catalyst for midwives in the Trust. Hazel cared deeply about the wellbeing of her colleagues and it is important to acknowledge this through the award.”

Overwhelmed to receive this honour at a ceremony held to celebrate the International Day of the Midwife, Julie expressed her joy saying: “This award means a huge amount to me and to be acknowledged by colleagues for the work that I do.

“I lead a small but excellent team in the Emergency Obstetric Unit and I would like to thank whoever nominated me for this award! It is a huge honour to be presented with this award.”

South Eastern Trust Head of Midwifery, Hannah McCauley said, “Julie is an exceptional leader, she is dynamic and passionate and cares so much for her team. She is a role model to other midwives and goes above and beyond every day, I am delighted that she is a member of the team. I couldn’t be more proud for her to win this award, she deserves this!”

RCM NI Director, Karen Murray added: “Hazel lived and breathed midwifery and the RCM is delighted to present this award in her memory. Hazel’s husband John came to us with the idea and we were more than happy to support it.

“Every year an exceptional midwife is nominated by their colleagues and this is a huge morale boost for the team. I am delighted that Julie Dunlop was the recipient of the award, she has such a passion for the women she cares for and the colleagues she works alongside.”

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