PAULA Burbidge feels privileged to play a part in one of the most important times in a woman's life.
She is deputy ward sister in Lawrence Ward, which offers both ante and post-natal care.
The 49-year-old from Mansfield, who has been working at the hospital since 2003, said: "It is about being with the women – we follow the story. Some of them, we know really well.
"You still get a feeling of privilege when women are giving birth. It is quite an intimate feeling. We are preparing them for parenthood.
"It's a unique opportunity because you are becoming involved in a woman's life."
Nurse Burbidge added: "My role is to promote standards of care to make sure people have a safe pregnancy and childbirth."
Diane Grainger is a midwifery support worker on the ward and said it was wonderful to get some recognition.
She added: "It was a lovely surprise. I think things are improving for nurses but it is nice to be thanked.
"We do a lovely job and most people are happy when they leave. We get a lot of positive feedback."
Patients on the ward couldn't praise the staff enough. Claire Freeman was waiting to have her first child and had been in the ward since Thursday.
The 41-year-old said: "It has been wonderful, I've been thoroughly looked after.
"It puts you at ease and they seem to really enjoy their job."
