To make the occasion extra special, one of the mothers she assisted with her delivery returned to the hospital to present her with her award.

Making the announcement and presentation of a plaque and flowers to Mrs Webster, new mum Anna Currall was full of praise for the midwife.

“From the moment my husband Eddie and I came in you made us feel confident,” Mrs Currall said.

“You were calm, reassuring and never intrusive. It was a wonderful experience giving birth with you there to help us.”

A surprised Ms Webster, who came to the hospital on her day off thinking she was attending the launch of the hospital’s birthing unit, said she was humbled to be singled out.

“What we do here is a group effort, it’s not just one person,” she said.

“I work here in a very supportive environment with other staff and management.”

Maternity unit manager Jenny Soar said it was appropriate Ms Webster be honoured on International Midwives Day and at the launch of the new water birthing services.

“We wanted to recognise Roslyn for all the work she has put into developing not only our water birthing policy but also the group practice in midwifery we have here at the hospital,” she said.

“We all congratulate Roslyn, this award is well deserved,” director of nursing Sue Patterson said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au