A RETIRED Rubery midwife has been awarded an OBE following her exceptional career.
Elaine Newell, 56, was was presented with her award by Princess Anne of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace.
The former chief nurse at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH) attended the ceremony with her husband Chris and their two sons Christoper and George.
“I am humbled, proud and very emotional,” she said.
“I would like to say a big thank you to my colleagues at SWBH for all your support.
“This award is as much yours as it is mine.
“And it has been a privilege and an honour to share personal experiences with so many new mums and their families over the years.”
Elaine was born in Dudley and grew up in Essex before moving back to the Midlands aged 11.
After attending Alexandra High School in Tipton, she trained as a nurse at Dudley Group of Hospitals and later as a midwife in Coventry.
She received her invite to Buckingham Palace through the post after her retirement 18 months ago.
“I was so shocked when it arrived and I found out that I was up for an OBE.
“You’re not allowed to tell anyone for ages because they ask you to keep it confidential.
“But when my family found out they were absolutely delighted.”
Elaine urged aspiring midwives to take up the profession because she said, despite it being hard work and ‘an emotional roller-coaster’, she could not imagine a more rewarding career.
