Carol Gregson is “an all-round fantastic person” - and our latest Star Award winner. And many of her colleagues were in tears today (Thursday) as she was given her certificate by Owen at a surprise presentation.

She has been the vital link between EPR, our midwives and our mums this past year as electronic patient records are rolled out. The Trust is heading to a roll-out date in November yet maternity has been setting the place for the Trust.

Carol has worked for the Trust since 1985, becoming a midwife in 1990. She was a community midwife for 20 years and moved into the maternity EPR midwife role last November.

Carol told us: "It's been a challenging role as it's new, though I've been given tremendous support from right across the division. Everyone has been eager and friendly and it's allowed me to tap into larger areas of the division. And my colleague Emma Hardwich (maternity EPR midwife) has been a massive support throughout.

"The biggest difference I've seen since we introduced EPR is that I literally have information at my fingertips. I used to have travel 10 miles just to enter record centrally, so now everything is up-to-date and everyone can see all patient information straight away".

Her nominator Karen Armsden, said: “She has every attribute to make an exceptional team player. Nothing is beyond her. She goes out and about whenever anything needs sorting so our colleagues are supported and our mums get quality care.”

She said Carol has been a trouble-shooter for all sorts of issues including making sure all the records are properly recorded and when records are stuck in clinics she has gone to physically get them to ensure care continues to be streamlined.

Karen added: “She is doing an amazing job and this recognition is very well-earned.”