Medway doctor wins national award for improving jaundice care for babies with darker skin tones

Dr Helen Gbinigie, a neonatal consultant on Medway’s Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit, has won the Inclusive Leader of the Year – Strategic / System Impact category at the National B.A.M.E Health and Care Awards 2026 for her work improving the recognition, assessment and care of neonatal jaundice in babies with darker skin tones.

Helen was nominated for her leadership in creating, planning and leading the Jaundice in Darker Skin Tone Babies Programme, a national project that tackles inequalities in neonatal jaundice care and helps ensure fairer care for all newborns. To date, the programme has trained more than 1,200 healthcare professionals across over 80 NHS organisations throughout the UK.

The judges said: “This leader translated a clearly identified health inequality into sustained national change in neonatal care. Through co-production, representative education, workforce development and implementation across all four UK nations, they have helped embed more culturally responsive practice at scale.”

Judges praised both the reach of the work and the care behind it, recognising a leader whose inclusive thinking has grown into a national programme with the potential to improve experience and outcomes for babies, families and staff.

Reflecting on her win, Helen said: “I am honoured to have won the award. Creating long-term change requires joint working, compassion and a shared commitment to equity. I am proud of what I have achieved, working in partnership with colleagues at the hospital, Kent and Medway Local Maternity and Neonatal System and across healthcare systems regionally and nationally.

“I hope this award shines a light on the importance of building inclusive cultures and driving meaningful change for both our workforce and the communities we serve.”

Helen was among 140 individuals and teams shortlisted in 19 categories at the awards, which celebrate the achievements of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) professionals, teams and organisations working towards a more inclusive and equitable health and care system.