A specialist midwife whose work is transforming care for women with diabetes during pregnancy has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Jaye Fish, Lead Diabetes Specialist Midwife at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, has been named a finalist in the Midwife of the Year category at the 2026 Nursing Times Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on 29 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, where she will compete against six other finalists from across the country.
The Nursing Times Awards celebrate the very best in nursing and midwifery, recognising professionals who make a lasting difference through innovative, patient-focused and inclusive care.
Jaye was nominated in recognition of her work developing and leading a dedicated diabetes midwifery service for women with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. The service has improved the quality, consistency and accessibility of care across northern Lincolnshire, and has helped women receive personalised support throughout their pregnancies.
Diabetes affects more than five per cent of women giving birth in the UK, with around 30,000 women in England diagnosed with gestational diabetes each year. Through her specialist expertise and commitment to person-centred care, Jaye has supported hundreds of women to better manage complex conditions during pregnancy, helping them feel informed, reassured and empowered.
Her nomination highlights not only her clinical leadership but also her dedication to tackling health inequalities, and improving outcomes for families in some of the most deprived communities in the region. She has also played a key role in educating and supporting maternity colleagues, helping to strengthen diabetes care across the wider workforce.
Jaye said: “Being nominated for Midwife of the Year is an honour I never expected, and I feel incredibly humbled and grateful.
“My work with women affected by diabetes is something I care deeply about. I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps women feel informed, supported and confident throughout their pregnancy.
“To have that work recognised in this way means more to me than words can say. I am so thankful to everyone, and to the women and families who have trusted me to be part of their journey.” The shortlist recognises the impact of Jaye Fish’s leadership and commitment to improving maternity services, while shining a national spotlight on the outstanding care being delivered for women and families across northern Lincolnshire.