A hospital matron who went the extra mile to reassure women over changes to maternity services has won a special award.

Kim Hurn was named as Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (BHRUT) Star of the Month following the March closure of the maternity ward at King George Hospital in Goodmayes.

The controversial closure of the unit means that women in Redbridge will now give birth at surrounding hospitals including Queen’s in Romford.

As well as liaising closely with staff, Kim spent her own time talking to women who were due to give birth at King George, reassuring them about giving birth at a different hospital.

Director of Midwifery Wendy Matthews said: "I am extremely proud of all the hard work that my team put into the reconfiguration.

“I was delighted to hear that Kim has been singled out by another department for playing such a key role in the Trust's maternity changes."

Kim was presented with a certificate, voucher and chocolates by the Trust’s Chairman, Sir Peter Dixon.