Mudgee Hospital maternity unit midwife Leselle Herman has just been awarded with the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Midwife of the Year award.

"I can't believe it. I feel very lucky and it's really special to know my team nominated me, I'm really grateful," Ms Herman said.

The award is based on demonstration and commitment to the Living Well Together Values, a commitment to the midwifery profession and the demonstration of leadership in the provision of midwifery quality care.

WNSWLHD acting executive director of midwifery, Jo Lemmich, said that Ms Herman not only demonstrated all of the required qualities but has also been a fantastic role model to midwives and staff across the hospital.

"Leselle is a role model and mentor to new graduate midwives and students and is seen as a senior staff member in the unit who staff can always approach for direction and learning," she said.

"We are extremely proud of Leselle, and her passion and dedication to providing excellent care for our women".

Maternity Unit manager Jackie Hattam, has acted as a mentor to Ms Herman since she moved to the Hospital two years ago.

"Leselle is one of those midwives that is just so driven and passionate about caring for women and their babies that she stands out among all our midwives," she said.

"She came to Mudgee with a lot of skills and knowledge, and she learnt very quickly what it's like to work as a midwife in a rural facility. She's excelled and done so much for the unit and made so many improvements here."

Over the past 12 months Leselle has been working to improve patient outcomes through educating staff and contributing to the Mudgee Maternity Clinical Review.

Ms Herman said her main focus as a midwife is to make sure women and families are well-educated and informed about their care.

"I want them to be informed, so they can make the best choices, that's what important to me," she said.

"I'm proud when families tell me they feel supported in their care and they had a birth experience they really loved and appreciated."

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