Midwife Honored for Five Decades of Service in Maternal and Neonatal Care

A midwife has been honored with an award acknowledging five decades of “invaluable” service within the NHS. Ann Remmers commenced her professional journey at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Health leaders have characterized her impact on maternal and neonatal care as establishing a “thriving legacy.” She has now been presented with the Chief Midwifery Officer Gold Award, an accolade given to individuals with distinguished careers who have served as role models. “Caring for mothers and babies has been an absolute joy and real privilege,” she stated. Ms Remmers currently holds the position of Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead for Health Innovation West of England, operating out of Bristol. Her responsibilities include efforts to enhance outcomes for premature infants throughout the south west of England. Additionally, she serves as the clinical lead for Black Maternity Matters, an anti-racism initiative designed for perinatal teams and senior leaders to identify and confront racist perceptions and behaviors that negatively affect health outcomes. “It is such an incredible honour to receive this award for a career I have loved,” Ms Remmers commented. “I am lucky enough to have worked with so many incredible people and teams, and to celebrate this award with them has been wonderful.” Natasha Swinscoe, CEO of Health Innovation West of England, described the recognition as “very well deserved.” She added, “Ann’s passion and commitment to improving life for mothers, babies and staff means she is never afraid to embrace and tackle difficult issues head-on.” Swinscoe further emphasized that Remmers’ “contribution to midwifery after 50 years in the NHS is invaluable, and her continued determination and dedication to improving outcomes for women and babies is a thriving legacy that has changed maternal and neonatal care in our region and beyond.”