Maternity staff from Nottingham hospitals have created their own ‘Call the Midwife’ calendar to raise money to refurbish a breakfast room for patients.
A group of 29 members of staff from Ward C29 at the QMC signed up after being inspired by a similar calendar produced by a hospital in Reading.
Pictures for there calendar were shot in the hospital and at the University of Nottingham campus, where the group dresses as midwives, patients and nuns to take photos themed around months of the year.
It is inspired by the BBC period drama series about a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Nicola George, a support worker from Long Eaton, said: “We must have had really convincing costumes as people thought we were real nuns when we were walking around.
“They even stopped building work for us!”
A variety of staff are featured in the calendar including midwives, health care assistants, reception staff, consultants and cleaning staff.
Joanne Woodhall, a midwife on C29, said: “Bringing together so many different job roles was really dynamic.
“It was great to work with so many different people you wouldn’t necessarily see that much of day to day.”
Sian Gregory, a midwife from New Thorpe said: “It was a long, but really fun day.
“Rita Mishra, our receptionist on C29, sorted out the logistics for everyone – she was brilliant.”
The group arranged sponsors, outfits and locations to bring the project to life, with hair and makeup provided by students at New College Nottingham and photography donated by Saul Isacc Photography.
Gemma Herbert, head of maternity services at the QMC, said: “C29 are an exceptionally passionate team, who have truly embedded shared governance within their area.
“They continue to show commitment and dedication to improve the care women, babies and their families receive with us in maternity on C29.
“Organising and producing this wonderful calendar is one of the many brilliant ways they have not only raised money for NUH but also worked together as a team.
“We all feel incredibly proud of them and all their hard work!”
The first calendar was bought by recently retired Nottingham University Hospitals CEO, Peter Homa.
Deputy ward sister Katherine Merrily brought the fundraising idea to the ward’s shared governance council, a group of staff that have collective ownership to develop and improve practice.
Catherine Frain, Midwife and chairman of the shared governance council, said: “We put up a poster on the ward to register interest.
“It was fantastic to have so many staff willing to get involved.”
