Oxford bereavement midwife up for Patients’ Choice

Candice Noonan, who works at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, has been shortlisted for the Patients’ Choice Award as part of the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) Staff Recognition Awards 2026.

The Patients’ Choice Award celebrates staff nominated directly by patients or families and recognises care that goes above and beyond clinical duties, leaving a lasting impact.

Ms Noonan was nominated by a mother she supported following the stillbirth of her baby, who described her as a vital source of comfort in the days, weeks, and months that followed.

The nomination read: “There are no words to describe Candice – she is nothing short of incredible.

“I literally would not have coped without the bereavement midwife team and Candice stands out as someone who went above and beyond.”

The patient said Ms Noonan’s support continued long after she left hospital.

She said: “Candice was my go-to person to call when I felt like I couldn’t cope.

“She constantly validated me as a mother and always said the right thing.”

Although the patient never met Ms Noonan in person, she said her support was deeply reassuring.

She said: “What is extraordinary is that I have never actually met Candice as she wasn’t working the day [baby] was born.

“A phone call with Candice feels like I am being wrapped up in a hug and being given the tiniest bit of hope that I will get through this.”

Ms Noonan said: “To be shortlisted for the Patients’ Choice Award, for simply doing what I love, feels incredibly special and I am so grateful.

“It is such an honour to be a small part of each person’s journey.

“For this nomination to come from somebody in the depths of grief really does move me deeply.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you for taking the time to nominate me.”

Milica Redfearn, director of midwifery at OUH, said: “Candice is truly exceptional and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award.

“Her compassion, kindness and commitment make an immeasurable difference to families experiencing loss, often at the most devastating moments of their lives.

“This recognition is so well deserved and reflects the huge impact of her work and the difference she makes every day.”

More than 1,900 nominations were received for this year’s OUH Staff Recognition Awards.

The awards will take place at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Thursday, June 18.