A midwife from south Essex has been shortlisted for a national award after developing an innovative tool designed to improve patient care during medical emergencies.
Siobhan Jarzabek, who works at Basildon Hospital and lives in Benfleet, has been named a finalist in the Midwife of the Year category at the Nursing Times Awards.
The recognition comes after she developed ScribeMat, a digital system designed to support real-time documentation during obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
The idea was born around a kitchen table and inspired by Siobhan's experiences working on the frontline of maternity care.
During more than a decade as a midwife, she saw the challenges clinicians face when trying to provide care while also accurately recording events during fast-moving emergency situations.
National reports have highlighted communication and documentation issues as factors that can contribute to poor care experiences.
Drawing on research from her master's degree, as well as support from the Mid and South Essex Innovation Fellowship, Siobhan spent more than two years creating a solution.
ScribeMat allows staff to record actions and timings digitally as emergencies unfold, helping to ensure key information is captured accurately.
The tool aims to reduce the need for handwritten notes, which are often entered into electronic patient records retrospectively after care has been delivered.
Staff involved in simulation exercises described the system as intuitive and easy to use, while families who have seen demonstrations said it could provide reassurance through clearer documentation.
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Siobhan said: "My ambition is to help position Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust as a leader in maternity innovation through digital transformation.
"I want us to be a Trust that listens to frontline staff, learns from experience and turns ideas into meaningful improvements for patient care.
"Being shortlisted for Midwife of the Year at the Nursing Times Awards as a result of developing ScribeMat is an incredible honour."
Looking ahead, she hopes to pilot ScribeMat at Basildon Hospital before exploring opportunities to expand its use across mid and south Essex.
The Nursing Times Awards ceremony will take place in London on October 29, with Siobhan hoping her innovation could ultimately help improve maternity care across the NHS.
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