Andrew Lansley, Health Secretary with Sue Saxey, President of Natinal Childbirth Trust, Julie Hedley, Early Intervention Service Midwifery Team Support Worker, Karen Gasper EISMT Midwife, Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive NCT, Jo Davis-White EISMT Manager. Picture: NCT

A midwifery team from Newham has won an award from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for a scheme that focuses on expectant fathers.

The Early Intervention Service Midwifery Team at Newham University Hospital won the ‘Most Inclusive Maternity Service for New Fathers and Mothers’ award from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity for their Dadi Day (Dads Are Doing It) scheme.

The awards were presented in the Members Dining Room of the Houses of Parliament by Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP, Secretary of State for Health.

Jo Davis-White, Manager, Early Intervention Services Midwifery Team Manager, said: “We are so pleased to have won this prestigious award. We know from the reaction of the expectant dads that they get so much out of the day and it feels so good to have the service recognised. Our wish would be that all expectant dads have the opportunity to meet other local fathers, have a fun interactive learning experience together, and leave with a positive feeling about the approaching birth and their forthcoming role.”

Dadi Day (Dads Are Doing It) is a practical and interactive workshop for expectant fathers. It gives the fathers room to learn, communicate, network and practice in a non-judgemental atmosphere. It focuses attention on the dads so they feel as special and important as mothers are traditionally encouraged to feel.

Heather Noble, Clinical Director for Women’s Services at Newham University Hospital, said: “This is fabulous news for the Trust and for those choosing to come to Newham to give birth. We are dedicated to ensuring that women choosing to give birth here and their families have a positive experience and hosting the Dadi Day scheme is one example of where we are demonstrating this dedication.”