October's Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Michaela Smikle, Maternity Support Worker at Honor Oak Health Centre, who has been chosen as our Employee of the Month for October 2023.
Midwife Marianne Kavanagh explained why she nominated her: “Michaela has continuously gone above and beyond to offer breastfeeding support to patients in our local communities.
“She is running two breastfeeding cafes, which she organised herself having recognised the need for more support for mothers in the immediate postnatal period. She is now looking to set up a third breastfeeding cafe.
“At the breastfeeding cafes she serves biscuits, tea and coffee and has even purchased thermal cups with lids to keep the newborns safe.
“Her passion, energy and commitment to supporting our clients is absolutely outstanding. We receive multiple compliments from our patients, who all praise her for going above and beyond.
“I am so proud of Michaela and in awe of what she does.”
Michaela was congratulated by her colleagues and presented with a certificate and a fruit basket. Hasan Er, who runs the fruit stall at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, donated the fruit basket.
Michaela said: “It was a great surprise to be named Employee of the Month, and I am overjoyed to have been recognised for this honour. I set up the cafes for the amazing women I meet; they help sustain breastfeeding for longer, build their confidence and provide a more positive breastfeeding experience in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. A special thanks to my colleagues who I am grateful to work with every day and for their continued support."
Michelle Acquah, Patient Experience Manager who helped chair this month’s judging panel commented: “Michaela was chosen as the winner for going above and beyond in recognising the need for additional breastfeeding support in the immediate postnatal period, setting up and running two cafes and in the process of setting up a third. The numerous feedback from clients praising Michaela for going above and beyond is a testament to this. Michaela demonstrates the Trust values of working together for patients, sharing knowledge and improving quality. The cafes are a positive contribution towards the Trust’s drive to increase its Breast Feeding Initiative accreditation.”