Blackpool midwife one of the finest in NHS's 70 years

Jenny Clarke placed in a poll of 70 medics who have made an exceptional contribution for her work in promoting skin-to-skin contact between newborn babies and their parents.

The ‘Health and Care’s Top 70 Stars’ list was put together to celebrate the NHS’s 70th anniversary on July 5, and saw patients, staff, and the public making nominations.

Jenny said: “I feel very humbled to be among such passionate NHS workers.

The award has recognised my extra work on skin to skin contact and this is what matters to me.

“My career in the NHS spans almost 40 years and this award highlights the importance of evidence based midwifery practice.”

Skin-to-skin contact has been heralded as vital for newborns, with research linking the simply measure to a series of health benefits.

Jenny’s nomination said: “She is such an inspiring person who just loves the NHS, its patients and its staff. She has changed the lives of many by developing skin-to-skin for all new parents in the UK and beyond.

“Jenny has also been there as well for many staff, listening, supporting and helping them to improve their care for patients.

She has been an active campaigner to improve maternity services in England, ensuring all women have a good experience no matter where they live.’’

Ruth May, the executive director of nursing at NHS Improvement, added: “The 70 standout stars deserve our personal gratitude.”