Trust midwife Dionne Thompson honoured at Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service

The compassionate work and leadership of Dionne Thompson, Lead Midwife for Multiple Births at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, was recognised on the national stage earlier this month as she took part in the prestigious Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey.

Dionne was one of only 12 healthcare professionals selected from across the country to walk in the symbolic procession behind the Florence Nightingale Lamp – a role of deep honour in the annual ceremony held each year on or around International Nurses Day.

The service, held in the historic halls of Westminster Abbey, commemorates the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Each year, the event brings together nurses and midwives from all over the country to reflect on their work, celebrate achievements, and honour those who have shaped and continue to shape the profession.

Dionne, who has worked in maternity services for 16 years of her 27-year NHS career and now leads specialist care for multiple births within the trust.

Having started her career as a Band 2 Healthcare Assistant, Dionne has worked her way up to a Band 7 midwife and described the moment as one of the proudest of her career:

“To walk behind the Lamp – a symbol of care, dedication and hope – was incredibly moving.

“I was walking not just for myself, but for my colleagues across the NHS, for the women and families we care for, and for all those striving to uphold Florence Nightingale’s legacy today.”

Dionne was joined by both former and current colleagues, as well as her sister Bev Summerhayes (pictured centre) who is also a Florence Nightingale Scholar, and Joan Myres OBE (right), who is a Queen’s Nurse.

A graduate of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, Dionne credited her development to the opportunities she had earned:

“The opportunities [provided by the Florence Nightingale Foundation] have been life-changing, the support I’ve had from the Foundation has encouraged me to be a better leader and the confidence to be authentically myself. Helping me to navigate the challenges within the NHS and make positive changes in the care we provide to benefit the women and families we serve, whilst also supporting midwives with their career development.”

Dionne’s commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for families expecting twins, triplets or more has made her a much-respected figure both within the trust and nationally. She has led pioneering work in developing personalised care pathways for multiple pregnancies, championing collaborative working across maternity and neonatal teams, and mentoring the next generation of midwives with warmth and wisdom.

This pioneering work was also recognised with a Silver Chief Midwifery Officer Award from the then-chief midwife Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE – an achievement Dionne ranks alongside leading the procession as one of her proudest to date.

Speaking after the event, Dionne spoke of her gratitude toward her sister, colleagues and trust Chief Nurse Theresa Murphy for their attendance.

Theresa Murphy, chief nurse at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust said:

“Dionne embodies everything we stand for: compassion, excellence, and a tireless commitment to better care. We are incredibly proud to see her recognised in this way.”

The service included readings, hymns, and reflections, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the Florence Nightingale Lamp, followed by the procession – a moving tribute to the spirit of nursing and midwifery.