FORMER Andover Birth Centre manager Cindy Shawley has been awarded a doctorate by the University of Southampton.

The Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) midwife joined graduates at the university to be presented with a doctorate in clinical practice.

Cindy, 51, has worked in Hampshire since 1984, as a midwife, senior community midwife in Eastleigh and manager of Andover Birth Centre, before taking up her current role.

She is also a midwifery lecturer at Southampton University. It took her seven years to complete her doctorate while in permanent employment.

Cindy said: “Working within the NHS in education is key to my leadership role. It has taken seven years but all the hard work has been worth it. My thanks go to my family and colleagues.

Without them I’d never have done it.”

Mary Edwards, chief executive at HHFT, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. We are proud of her and all our staff who continue to develop themselves professionally.

It’s a huge achievement to have completed study at this high level while working fulltime in a demanding job.”