Long Eatonian maternal health expert named amongst New Years honours

A Long Eatonian who is an expert in health for pregnant women has been named in the New Years Honours List 2024.

Professor Sara Kenyon, who comes from the town but works at the University of Birmingham, has been announced as a recipient of an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to midwifery.

Professor Kenyon began her health career as a carer but has gone on to develop a triage system for maternity which, upon creation has gone on to be used in most maternity units across the United Kingdom.

A midwife by background, she leads a programme of maternity research, including large randomised controlled trials, mixed methods studies and implementation studies.  She is also a collaborator on the UK confidential enquiries into maternal and perinatal death  Sara is the midwifery lead for ‘MBRRACE-UK’, which provides essential evidence to challenge practice.

In addition to her MBRRACE work, Sara’s contribution to the increasing evidence base in maternity has been described by The Royal College of Midwives as "extensive, changing and influencing practice as well as supporting midwives and others to continue researching" and that her work is recognised nationally and internationally.

Speaking to the BBC, she said that she screamed and burst into tears upon being given the news from the Royal Household and thanked everyone that she has worked with as well as her family, adding that she couldn't have done it without them.