Bristol midwife awarded OBE for 50 years of improving maternity care
Ann Remmers has been recognised in King’s New Year Honours for services to maternal and neonatal care
A Bristol midwife who has dedicated over 50 years to improving maternity and neonatal care has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours.
Ann Remmers, Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead at Health Innovation West of England, has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to maternal and neonatal healthcare.
She began her career at Southmead Hospital as a midwife, working both in the hospital and community settings before progressing to senior roles including Clinical Director and Director of Midwifery at North Bristol NHS Trust.
During her career, Ann has spearheaded several significant initiatives. These have included establishing Bristol’s first free-standing birth unit, the creation of the regional maternity dashboard, and founding the South West Regional Perinatal Equity Network.
Her work now includes leading the PERIPrem programme, which improves outcomes for premature babies across the South West, as well as serving as clinical lead for Black Maternity Matters. The project challenges racist perceptions and behaviour in perinatal teams to enhance health outcomes for Black and Brown women.
Reflecting on her recognition, Ann said: “It is such an honour to be recommended for an OBE for the work I have been fortunate to do as a midwife and clinical leader during my career in the NHS. I am totally overwhelmed that I have been nominated for this award by my organisation.
“This award reflects the expertise and commitment of many teams and people that I have had the privilege to work with and alongside and who are devoted to improving care for all mothers and babies across the South West.”
Natasha Swinscoe, Chief Executive of Health Innovation West of England, described Ann as a professional who tackles tough issues directly while uplifting and supporting her colleagues across maternity services.
“Ann’s contribution to midwifery after 50 years in the NHS is invaluable,” Natasha said. “Her continued dedication to improving outcomes for women and babies is a thriving legacy that has changed maternal and neonatal care in our region and beyond.”
Ann was also commended by Deputy Regional Chief Midwife for NHS England South West, Rachael Glasson, who highlighted her positivity and drive following decades in the NHS.
“Whilst working in the NHS for over 50 years is a phenomenal achievement, what makes Ann stand out is her continued vitality, enthusiasm, passion, positivity and can-do approach in all that she does,” Rachael said.
Ann joins the King’s New Year Honours list as she continues to focus on making maternity and neonatal care safer and more equitable across the region.