A researcher from West Middlesex University Hospital has become the first winner of the Norah Faith Coniam Award from the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust. 

Lauren Trepte, who is a clinical research team leader at the West Middlesex University Hospital, has become the first person to win the award, which has been created by to support projects addressing issues around baby loss and bereavement. 

Trepte will use the funding given for winning the award to research the use of virtual reality headsets as a support method during clinical procedures associated with pregnancy loss, as part of her Masters of Research in Womens Health and Reproductive Science. 

She said: "I am so honoured to receive this award which has been created in honour of Ross and Naomi Coniam's daughter, Norah, who sadly passed away shortly after birth.  

"I will be using the funds from the award to continue with my masters course project which will focus on optimising the mental health outcomes of women experiencing early pregnancy loss." 

Trepte is one of 15 midwives to have been recognised by the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust in their 2023 awards. 

Vicki Cochrane, Director of Midwifery at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is really exciting news not only for Lauren and her project but also for the continued work towards promoting pregnant women's health and wellbeing needs through a holistic approach."