The Black and Asian Maternal Health Group was set up just over a year ago by Consultant Obstetrician Omorinsola Muoka, who heard about the increasing disparities experienced nationally for Black and Asian families and wanted to ensure this did not happen in Lincolnshire.
She began conversations with colleagues to host an event for local families, and the Black and Asian Maternal Health Group was formed. Since then, the group, which works with other local healthcare providers and commissioners, has been listening to the community and codesigning solutions to identified areas for improvement.
Last month, the Black and Asian Maternal Health Group was crowned winners of the Collaboration award at the Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG) annual staff awards.
They’ve now been shortlisted in the national Royal College of Midwives Awards 2026 in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category.
Naomi Plant, a Patient Safety Midwife at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH), chairs the group. She said: “I am proud to be involved in such an important initiative to improve the maternity experiences and outcomes for Black and Asian families.
“We were delighted to win the staff award for working collaboratively and making a difference to our patients and communities, and we’re even more thrilled to be shortlisted and have the opportunity to showcase our work on a national platform through the Royal College of Midwives Awards.”
Current projects for the Black and Asian Maternal Health Group include a cultural awareness in breastfeeding survey which will identify areas for improvement and support the development of educational packages for staff to increase their awareness of different cultural practices for our diverse cultures.
The group is also working to review the antenatal education provided by healthcare services, to ensure it is accessible, welcoming and appropriate for all ethnicities, to support families on their maternity journey.
Mrs Muoka added: “I am honoured and privileged to lead such a dedicated team. Every member is committed to ensuring that we listen to the voices of our Black and Asian maternal service users and their families.
“We are working towards ensuring our services are exemplary for our population. Each person deserves excellent care, regardless of race and ethnicity.”
The full Royal College of Midwives Awards 2026 shortlist is available online. The ceremony is in London on Friday 6 February.