A FORMER Bangor midwife, who passed away last year, is being remembered with a special award in her honour. The South Eastern Trust branch of the Royal College of Midwives, has launched the Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award in memory of a nurse who worked ‘tirelessly’ to support her colleagues with her ‘warm personality and generous spirit.’ Hazel’s family presented the branch with this award in her memory after she passed away in 2021. Hazel, who began her career in 1978, was very passionate about her midwifery career and devoted a large amount of her own time and energy to the work of the Royal College of Midwives where she held the title of honorary chairperson. This new award will honour midwifes nominated by their peers for going the extra mile, someone who is a positive role model and who makes a difference by their words or actions, working at any level within midwifery. Hazel’s husband John said she was first and foremost his wife but also his best friend and wonderful mother to their three children, Aaron, Aimée and Patrick. “She was a people magnet, making friends easily,” he said. “Hazel’s personality and her caring attitude put patients at ease. “If you became a friend of Hazel, you were fortunate because you were never forgotten, as she always remembered everyone she encountered. We had people come and stay in our home from all parts of the world, our door was always open for waifs and strays. “Her life was full, particularly with a passion for the Royal College of Midwives, as she believed in nurturing and supporting her colleagues.” Julie Gough, a midwife and member of the Royal College of Midwives South Eastern Trust Branch, remembers Hazel fondly. “She was a friend to laugh with, a shoulder to cry on and someone who always stood up for what was best for all the families and midwives within the South Eastern Trust,” said Julie. “Hazel is deeply missed by her colleagues who have all benefited at one time or another from her kindness, experience and encouraging words during the 40 years she devoted to health and social care. “As a nurse and a midwife, she was a thoughtful friend and a wonderful midwife who brought light to everything she touched and everyone she met. The winner of the Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award will be announced on the International Day of the Midwife on Thursday, May 5.
