A maternity support worker at the Friarage Hospital has been recognised with a Chief Midwifery Officer (CMidO) Maternity Support Worker Award for her outstanding contribution to maternity services in North Yorkshire.
Becky Eason received the national honour under the category Commitment to Quality of Care, which celebrates maternity staff across England who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and dedication to improving patient outcomes.
Becky was praised for her proactive approach to addressing a gap in local healthcare provision after discovering that smoking cessation support was unavailable for pregnant women in North Yorkshire, despite being offered in Middlesbrough. Determined to ensure equitable care, she undertook specialist training and launched the service in Northallerton.
Since January 2024, Becky has helped 15 women deliver smoke-free babies and is currently supporting a further eight expectant mothers, with postnatal follow-up in place to help maintain long-term health benefits.
She has also introduced walk-and-talk sessions to the area — another service previously unavailable locally — giving pregnant women and young families new opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Alongside her public health work, Becky supports maternity services across both the Friarage and The James Cook University Hospital, providing antenatal and postnatal care, newborn screening, glucose tolerance testing, and wider multidisciplinary support.
Becky said:
“All women using our maternity services, whether at the Friarage Hospital or James Cook, should be receiving the same services for better outcomes of care. Addiction is a very hard process. People assume that being pregnant is enough to stop smoking, but for some this is a real challenge. Being able to support them to overcome this and congratulate them on their successes is a great part of my role.”
Becky was presented with her award by Dr Tracey Cooper MBE, regional chief midwife for the North East and Yorkshire, during a visit to the Friarage Maternity Centre.
Tracey said: “Becky’s commitment to improving care is evident in everything she does. Her work to introduce smoking cessation and walk-and-talk services has made a real difference to women and families. This award is thoroughly deserved.”
Lynne Staite, head of midwifery at University Hospitals Tees, who also attended the presentation, added: “Becky is an asset to our team. She goes above and beyond every day to ensure women receive the best care, and it is wonderful to see her recognised for her dedication.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Becky said she felt “overwhelmed” by the recognition.
“It is so nice to feel appreciated in any role you do, but to have your work noticed is a lovely feeling. I am very grateful for my supportive team and this nomination.”
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