We are delighted to announce that Ann Remmers, Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Lead at Health Innovation West of England, has been awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for services to maternal and neonatal care.
Ann Remmers, who last year was awarded the Chief Midwifery Officer Gold Award for 50 years of outstanding service and achievements in the NHS, began her career as a midwife at Southmead Hospital. She worked in both the hospital and community before progressing to become Clinical Director and Director of Midwifery at North Bristol NHS Trust and Clinical Director for the South West Maternity and Children’s Clinical Network.
Ann (pictured above with husband Martin and son Guy) has led numerous maternity and neonatal-focused improvements during her career, including the first free-standing birth unit in Bristol, setting up the regional maternity dashboard and the South West Regional Perinatal Equity Network.
Now working for Health Innovation West of England, Ann has been the midwifery lead for the PERIPrem programme, improving outcomes for premature babies across the South West, and is currently the clinical lead for Black Maternity Matters, an anti-racist behaviour change programme for perinatal teams and senior leaders to expose and address racist perceptions and behaviours that impact health outcomes for women racialised as Black and Brown.
Ann Remmers 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. It has been a joy to work in midwifery and perinatal services throughout my career.
“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, said: “We are thrilled by the news that Ann has been awarded this fantastic honour in the King’s New Year Honours.
“Ann works tirelessly to support, coach and uplift her colleagues. Her passion and commitment to improving life for mothers, babies and staff means she is never afraid to embrace difficult issues head-on, leading professionals through change in an open and collaborative way.
“Ann’s contribution to midwifery after 50 years in the NHS is invaluable. 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.”
Rachael Glasson, Deputy Regional Chief Midwife for NHS England South West, added: “We are delighted that Ann has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to improving maternity and neonatal in care for women, babies and their families.
“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. She is highly regarded as a colleague, friend and champion of maternity and neonatal services. We are so grateful for her continued commitment to improving safety, equity and quality in maternity and neonatal services across the South West.”
Posted on December 29, 2025
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