Waheeda Abbas, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Waheeda Abbas
Genomics Midwifery Lead/Cultural Liaison Midwife
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Waheeda Abbas is a dedicated midwife whose compassionate care has profoundly impacted countless families. Renowned for her cultural sensitivity, she created a multilingual Padlet to provide accessible information on pregnancy, labor, and postnatal care, ensuring language barriers don’t hinder support. Beyond delivering life, Waheeda excels in supporting grieving families. She makes personal visits to those experiencing loss, offering culturally appropriate guidance and helping them find closure without self-blame. An advocate for education, Waheeda trains midwives using visual aids and practical tools, equipping them to address sensitive issues like genomic disorders with empathy. Her tireless efforts have inspired both healthcare professionals and the wider community, earning her recognition as a role model in inclusive and compassionate midwifery. Waheeda Abbas’s work exemplifies dedication, reshaping the field to provide holistic and equitable care. I am Waheeda Abbas, Nursing Times midwife of the year 2024. As a midwife, I am passionate about providing compassionate, inclusive care to families during their most vulnerable moments. Everyone deserves access to clear and supportive guidance, regardless of language or cultural background. That’s why I created a multilingual Padlet, a resource that offers vital information on pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care, helping families feel empowered. Supporting families through loss is a deeply personal part of my work. I visit those who have experienced bereavement, offering comfort and culturally sensitive guidance to help them find closure without self-blame. I also love sharing knowledge with fellow midwives, using visual aids and practical tools to prepare them for complex situations like genomic disorders. My mission is to inspire confidence, resilience, and healing in every family and professional I meet, shaping a more compassionate and inclusive future for midwifery.