AFTER more than 40 years working for the NHS, the CEO of the trust that runs the borough’s hospital, Ann Marr OBE has retired.
When Ann OBE walked through the doors as the new Chief Executive of the Trust that ran St Helens and Whiston Hospitals in January 2003, few could have known the immense impact she would have on local healthcare.
As well as transforming what was at the time a struggling Trust into a multi-award-winning organisation recognised as one of the best in the NHS, she oversaw the huge redevelopment of both Whiston and St Helens hospitals from Victorian workhouse buildings to world-class facilities which were able to provide 21st century healthcare.
It's been an amazing journey for Ann who this week retires from her role after more than 40 years of dedicated NHS service.
What makes the story that bit more remarkable is that Ann was born in Whiston Hospital and her determination to provide the best patient care possible for her local community has been the driving force for everything she has done.
Her achievements have been many over the years. She picked up a string of personal awards including being named as the North West Chief Executive of the Year in 2010 and was also named runner-up for national NHS Leader of the Year in 2009.
The recognition continued as Ann received an honorary fellowship of Liverpool John Moores University in 2016 and then came one of her most notable achievements, as she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2020 for services to the NHS.
Ann’s drive to put patients first led to the legacy St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals Trust receiving an “outstanding’’ rating by the CQC and named “Trust of the Year” at the prestigious Health Service Journal Awards.
Her determination to make a difference was clear from the start of her NHS career.
After starting as a junior clerk she worked her way up through the ranks, and after qualifying as an accountant through a day release scheme, she eventually progressed to Director of Finance roles at two Merseyside NHS Trusts before becoming Chief Executive of Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2000.
More recently she was praised for the way she managed Cheshire and Merseyside’s response to the Covid pandemic and received Freedom of the Borough awards from St Helens and Knowsley Councils on behalf of staff, who praised her inspiring leadership and commitment to patient care.
Speaking about her retirement Ann said: “It was obviously a very difficult decision for me, as this Trust and the NHS have been such a major part of my life.
“I was born in Whiston Hospital and have lived in its catchment area my entire life and I have been honoured to serve my local community.
“One constant over the years has been the sheer hard work and dedication of our staff. It has been the most tremendous privilege to work with such wonderful, talented people over the years and achieve so much together.
“We built two new state-of-the-art hospitals, achieved a coveted ‘outstanding’ rating from the CQC, and were crowned the ‘best in the NHS’ by the Health Service Journal.
“We also redesigned and developed our services, won numerous awards for our excellent clinical care as well as our grounds, gardens and facilities. More recently we embarked on a new and exciting future as Team MWL.’’ She added: “I know our staff will continue to strive to deliver 5 Star care for our patients, supporting them with their customary kindness and compassion.
“I have been overwhelmed by the number of kind messages from colleagues and well-wishers, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for all the support I have received over the years.
"I have worked with so many talented people who have made it possible for me to do my dream job.’’
Richard Fraser, Chairman of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Ann has always been a ferocious advocate for the patient and her dedication to providing 5-Star patient care has been at the forefront of everything she has done.
“She leaves behind an amazing legacy and a fantastic team that will continue to deliver her vision of 5 Star care for every patient.’’
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