On Wednesday (12 December) Helen Forster from Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, will find out whether she has won the national drug worker of the year title during the Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards ceremony at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London.
The awards, now in their second year, recognise, reward and celebrate the work of those who are changing people's lives every day - teams and individuals who are taking direct positive action to tackle drug issues in their local community.
Commenting Helen's regional award Nasser Hussain said:
"This is an excellent achievement for Helen Forster and for Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital. The Tackling Drugs Awards celebrate the great contribution made by Essex's unsung heroes who go the extra mile in helping individuals overcome addictive and harmful drugs, which in turn helps their families and communities."
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker and DCSF Minister Kevin Brennan, will present Helen with her regional award. Two overall national winners will also be announced and each will receive £10,000 for their organisation to spend on prevention or treatment of drug use.
Vernon Coaker, Home Office Minister said:
"Many congratulations to each and every Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Award winner. I am looking forward to meeting these inspirational drug teams and drug workers at the awards ceremony in London this week, where we will be announcing the national winners. The award winners are a true example of people who go the extra mile, day in, day out to make their communities safer"
Commenting on her award Helen said:
"I am honoured to receive this accolade. I hope the award will help put the work done at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital maternity unit on the map. I'm delighted the judges have recognised my work in this way, especially since there is so much positive work being carried out by so many determined people in communities all across the region."
Helen Forster has been nominated for her work as a Specialist Midwife supporting mothers who misuse substances and may have blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis. The aim of Helen's work is to ensure that the women and families in her care have a positive birthing experience, and that they receive essential antenatal and postnatal care to support them and to help resolve their problems.
Prior to Helen's work, substance-misusing mothers were routinely separated from heir babies. Babies are now kept with their mothers unless there is a clinical need for them to be managed on a specialist unit.
