Karen Burton is a Midwife at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury. 

During almost 20 years in the profession, Karen has worked in the community and in hospital, supporting women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.  

She describes herself as ‘passionate’ and takes pride in her work, believing it is a ‘privilege’ to work as part of the Bereavement Team. 

She was nominated for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care by two family members; bereaved mum, Cherelle and bereaved grandparent, Clare. 

In her nomination, Cherelle describes how Karen was ‘amazing’ with her and her husband following the stillbirth of their daughter. 

She said: “Karen hugged us when we needed her, took time out to just sit and talk with us, she answered every question with compassion. 

“She brought us unto the delivery suite via a route meaning we wouldn’t have to see all the healthy newborns which we were so grateful for, and she stayed with us the whole time ensuring we felt supported.  

Karen was there for the delivery of Olivia, reassuring the parents they would get through it together, with Cherelle describing Karen as “a second birthing partner I never knew I needed”. 

She always ensured the parents understand what was going to happen next and what was being said. She made sure both Cherelle and her husband had the opportunity to ask questions and answered them with knowledge and compassion. 

“Karen always addressed Olivia Grace by her name, this brought us comfort. She took my phone to make sure I had photos of my husband with Olivia for the very first time and made us aware of keepsakes we could do together like her hand and footprints.” 

The nomination goes on to explain Karen’s dedication to stay with the parents as long as they needed her and how to Cherelle and her partner, Karen was ‘truly the best Midwife’ they could’ve wished for during the hardest time. 

In her nomination, Olivia’s grandmother, Clare said: “Karen built up a rapport with my daughter, son in law and the extended family. She offered compassion and empathy to us all, laughed with us and cried with us.” 

Clare described Karen as ‘informative’ but ‘compassionate’ and explained how she remained professional while showing her own feelings, which had helped the family. She acknowledged how Karen was willing to go over information multiple times and never rushed the family into making any decisions. 

She added: “I feel that without the care and compassion showed by Karen, what was a dreadful situation would and could have been a lot worse.” 

On being nominated and shortlisted for the award, Karen said: “To have been nominated by a bereaved family of a baby is beyond all belief when they are experiencing such a sad time in their lives. I feel extremely proud and honoured, as well as quite emotional. 

“To be shortlisted for this prestigious award by the Sands panel is one of the highlights of my career. Sands is so important to these parents, and they are able to receive ongoing support which can benefit them immensely. Knowing they are not alone and can meet other parents who understand what they have been through is of great importance.”