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An end-of-year event celebrated the work and achievements of Midwifery students at the University of Winchester.
The event showcased the work of the First and Second-Year students and welcomed members of the next cohort, set to join this month (January).
The event held at the West Downs Centre was opened by Dr Kate Nash, the University’s Lead Midwife for Education who introduced keynote speaker Liz McLeod, Head of Midwifery (Winchester and Andover) Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Year 1 Student of the Year Beth Harris and midwifery podcast producer Kate Davies gave presentations about the memorable moments of their year and Laura Ellson read a poem entitled My Sparkling Moment.
An audience of around 150 at the West Downs Auditorium also saw a montage of video messages from students about their personal highlights.
A Panel Discussion chaired by Vikki Pragnell, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, followed on “The Future of Midwifery”.
A panel made up of Dr Nash; Jane Morley-Smith, Learning Environment Lead Midwife, University Hospitals Dorset ; Kerry Taylor, Head of Midwifery at University Hospitals Dorset; Dr Helen Allot retired obstetrician and Honorary Senior Specialist, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; and Dr Rachel King paediatrician and guest lecturer, discussed a range of issues including innovation, challenges, and aspirations in midwifery.
Following the panel discussion Certificates of Achievement (‘Positive Petals’) and
special recognition peer awards were presented.
The award winners were:
Most Inspirational Student: Julie Mylum (First Year) and Raianya Liebnitz (Second Year)
Student that has shown the most growth: Ginni King (First Year) and Kate Davies (Second Year)
Most Supportive Student: Leah Jeffrey (First Year) and Carla Ashley (Second Year)
Student of the Year: Beth Harris (First Year) and Amy Blyth (Second Year)
First year Student of the Year Beth Harris (left) receives her award from Dr Kate Nash, the University’s Lead Midwife for Education, and Lisa Cox Senior Lecturer in Midwifery.
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Second Year Student of the Year: Amy Blyth (second from left) with Vikki Pragnell, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery (left) and Dr Kate Nash, the University’s Lead Midwife for Education, and Lisa Cox Senior Lecturer in Midwifery.
Posters and portfolios of student work were on display and there were interactive stations where students were on hand to discuss their work with visitors.
Kate Nash commented: “The University of Winchester midwifery team were delighted with the success of the event and opportunity to recognise and showcase the excellent work and academic achievements of our learners. It was great to see so many of their family members present and to welcome our new midwifery cohort due to commence in January 2026.”
To find out more about Midwifery at the University of Winchester, visit BSc (Hons) Midwifery - University of Winchester and BSc (Hons) Midwifery Apprenticeship - University of Winchester.
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