Being a midwife is an important job during one of the most significant times in a family’s life, encompassing more than just helping to deliver babies.
With over 30 years of experience and always a smile on her face, Verna White has demonstrated powerfully what it means to take on this role at Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust.
Verna was born in Leicester to parents from Jamaica and decided to become a midwife following her nurse training in 1982. When asked why, Verna doesn’t highlight one specific reason but shared: “I just had a feeling that I wanted to become a midwife.
“I have worked as a midwife and coordinator at City Hospital’s Maternity department since 2011. The role involves providing antenatal and postnatal care and support during childbirth to mothers. The care I provide includes giving advice, being present and giving a helping hand to babies being born.
“I love being a midwife. I’m always willing and able, and always with a smile. I can turn on the charm, but I have empathy and am sympathetic to what is going on around me – I can be serious when the time is right.”
Verna’s dedication to her role has been highly commended at the Trust. She’s picked up a number of awards including the ‘Distinguished Service’ accolade at the annual staff recognition event, The Star Awards.
She continued: “Being announced as a winner at the Star Awards made it a memorable night. I have grown at the Trust and my career has flourished. I retired in March 2023 and returned in June that year – the first time a clinical midwife has returned in a management position.
“I’m now particularly looking forward to the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH).”