"Her interactions with us will be cherished" | Meet May's Health Hero

22nd May 2026

Denise Goodman, a Specialist Midwife in the Fetal Medicine Unit at the University Hospital of Wales, has been named May’s Health Hero in recognition of the compassion and support she provided to a couple following the loss of their baby in late-stage pregnancy.

Denise has worked for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board since qualifying as a midwife in 2008. She holds a dual role, leading the Multiple Pregnancy Clinic with consultants, as well as working in the Fetal Medicine Unit.

The unit is a tertiary service that receives referrals from 17 different hospitals across Wales. Denise explains: “These are all complicated pregnancies where a baby has a suspected or diagnosed anomaly, or there has been a complication in a previous pregnancy, or a baby is at risk of inheriting a genetic disorder.”

Supporting patients through these complex pregnancies is central within Denise’s work. She said: “Our patients are having to make really difficult decisions regarding their pregnancies. So, it is very patient centred and holistic. You have to use your initiative and your skills and everything that you've learned about how to counsel and support.”

The patient who nominated Denise said: “Sadly, my partner and I recently lost our first baby later in pregnancy. It was an incredibly painful experience, and I wanted a way that Denise could be recognised for the support she provided during this time. Denise went out of her way to ensure ours and our baby's support was timely, compassionate, dignified and informed by both clinical and lived experiences of others.

“I'm sure I am one of many mothers she has been an invaluable support to, and it would mean an awful lot to have her and her team recognised by the Health Board, not just on my behalf, but for so many other expectant parents who have received and receive Denise's counsel. Baby loss is not recognised enough for how common an experience it sadly is, and in particularly, baby loss at later stages in pregnancy.

“The way in which Denise navigated providing us with important information, alongside holding space for our emotions and sorrow will be forever appreciated. Her interactions with us will be cherished and remembered positively during one of the most difficult times in our lives."

Reflecting on the nomination, Denise said: “I was absolutely bowled over. I accept this award with such pride on behalf of the patient and on behalf of the work that we do in Fetal Medicine. It never ceases to amaze me that people will go out of their way in their darkest days to just say thank you.

“It's so humbling, and really wonderful to feel appreciated. It does give me a great sense of pride, and it's an honour to be able to do it. Sometimes you can't change the outcome sadly, but you can change how couples prepare and cope and deal with that difficult situation.”

Denise is quick to highlight the importance of teamwork in her role: “I wouldn't be able to do my job without the support of having such a wonderful team. At the end of the day we will reflect, we debrief and we pull each other up. I get immense job satisfaction.

“We provide an absolute amazing service for a small unit. It's so important and I absolutely love it.”

Health Hero is sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As May’s Health Hero, Denise will receive a traditional afternoon tea for two.

Do you know a staff member who has gone above and beyond to provide outstanding care? Say thank you by nominating them as a Health Hero!