A department “full of miracle makers” is this year’s Medway Maritime Hospital Hero.

The maternity team were presented with their award at the annual staff awards ceremony at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, last Friday.

Claire Tarry nominated the entire maternity team after losing her son Alfie in 2013.

When she went into labour the midwife could not find a heartbeat and a scan confirmed he had died in the womb earlier that day.

Mrs Tarry said: “Our world collapsed around us in that moment and is still so painful. But we were surrounded by true earth angels who held our hands, cried with us and got myself, my husband and our family through a traumatic time.

“I really believe they felt our pain in losing our baby and we only got through our tragedy because of the care and support we received.

“At one point, later I counted 14 of our family members in the delivery room and we were never made to feel like anyone should leave.”

"Each and every one goes above and beyond their job, with such love and passion.” - Claire Tarry.

In September, 2014, Mrs Tarry, of St David’s Road, Allhallows, realised she was six months pregnant and booked in for a caesarean on December 4. There were a number of complications as she was diagnosed with maternal diabetes but their second son Franklin was born screaming but safe.

She said: “Franklin has helped to mend our hearts, broken after losing Alfie. Everyday I wake to see him smiling and everyday I am so grateful.

"We owe it to all the amazing people at Medway Maternity Services, a department full of miracle makers. Each and every one goes above and beyond their job, with such love and passion.”

Karen McIntyre , 50, head of midwifery at the hospital, said: “It is a testament to all the hard work from our team.

“It’s always busy here and no two days are ever the same, it can be a time of such joy, but also of great sadness. Being a midwife is a huge privilege.”

The Hospital Hero award is backed by the Medway Messenger.