Mental health nurse handed bravery award for saving baby’s life

Nancy Sagwete, a nurse at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, was recognised by Hertfordshire Constabulary for her “humanity, promptitude and skill” after she resuscitated a baby.

“Every time I see Baby Lily now I just tap myself on the heart and say: ‘It is me who has done this’”

Nancy Sagwete

It happened when she was at her home in Stevenage in May last year. Describing the incident, Ms Sagwete said: “My neighbour knocked on my door and as soon as I opened it, she just placed this little lifeless baby in my hands. The baby was not breathing, she was blue.

“My mind raced and I just thought of the basic life support training I have done during my nursing career,” she said. “I started giving the child rescue breaths and she came back.”

The infant, known as Baby Lily, was then taken to a local hospital. There, she was admitted and stayed for several weeks but made a full recovery, according to Ms Sagwete’s trust.

In recognition of her bravery and quick thinking, Hertfordshire Constabulary gave Ms Sagwete a special police bravery award.

“I’m so grateful that I’ve had the chance to do something great and save a life. Every time I see Baby Lily now I just tap myself on the heart and say: ‘It is me who has done this’,” she said.

She was presented with the award at the constabulary’s headquarters by chief constable Charlie Hall and His Honour Judge Michael Kay.

Barabara Wireko, Ms Sagwete’s team leader, added: “I would like to congratulate Nancy for this act of bravery, as she is truly inspiring.

“She works hard to support everyone, especially the service users under her care. We can all agree that she’s a pleasure to work with.”