A Jersey midwife has received a national award for her “outstanding” contribution to perinatal mental health care.
Specialist midwife Josephine Lane, who works at the Jersey General Hospital, was announced as the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Perinatal Mental Health category at the Royal College of Midwives awards in London last week.
She was recognised for transforming how maternity services can support women’s emotional wellbeing both during pregnancy and after giving birth, ensuring women feel supported and heard through each stage of their pregnancy.
Royal College of Midwives chief executive Gill Walton said: “A key part of Josephine’s work has been tackling stigma and making it normal to talk about mental health in maternity care.
“By building conversations about emotional wellbeing into routine appointments and touchpoints, Josephine has helped more women feel able to speak up early – and access the right support sooner.
“Her work is a powerful example of compassionate, woman-centred care in action. By normalising conversations about mental health, improving early identification and building confidence across the maternity team, she has made a real difference to women, families and colleagues alike.”
Josephine has also strengthened the service’s approach to identifying risk, developing a consistent screening and assessment process used from booking through to postnatal care.
This includes a practical psychosocial risk tool that helps midwives spot factors such as previous mental ill health, trauma, domestic abuse or a lack of support networks – enabling early referral and clearer care planning.
Josephine has also delivered training for midwives, maternity support workers and students, using real-life learning and lived experience to build confidence and improve care.
Colleagues described her as “the glue that holds services together” and a trusted source of guidance.
Outside of the hospital, Josephine works alongside community organisations to reach women who are unlikely to seek or engage with mental health support.
Jersey’s director of midwifery Ros Bullen-Bell said: “Jo’s dedication to perinatal mental health has had a profound and lasting impact on the women, babies and families we care for.
“Her compassionate leadership, specialist expertise, and unwavering commitment to improving pathways of support have transformed the experience of those navigating some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
“We are immensely proud of Jo, and I am delighted to see her outstanding contribution recognised in this way.”
Josephine added: “This recognition highlights the positive culture we have created in maternity, where safety, support, and genuine appreciation allow our team to thrive.
“When our staff feel valued and empowered, every woman and family in our care feels the benefit.”
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