Researcher nominated for Midwife of the Year award

Dr Sally Pezaro has helped develop guidelines to improve care, not just in the UK, but across the world

A researcher based at Coventry University has been shortlisted for the Midwife of the Year at a national awards ceremony.

Run by the Nursing Times, Dr Sally Pezaro is one of eight finalists, with the winner due to be named on Wednesday.

She said it was amazing to be recognised and added: "It's important that we celebrate the achievements of all midwives and recognise the breadth of what they can offer to society."

Coventry University said the nomination recognised Dr Pezaro's contributions to midwifery research, particularly in leadership and gender equity.

Among other projects, the university said she led the largest ever international study on midwifery leadership, across 76 countries.

The university said the nomination also celebrated her work to improve perinatal care for underserved groups.

"A significant outcome of her research has been the development of new global clinical guidelines for managing pregnancy and childbirth in people with hypermobility conditions," it said.

Describing Dr Pezaro as "a strong advocate for gender-inclusive care", the university said she had helped develop guidelines to make sure healthcare services were "inclusive and equitable for all gender identities".