The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is celebrating after its Chief Nurse, Ann-Marie Riley, was honoured with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). The prestigious award, announced in the New Year Honours List, recognises her outstanding contributions to nursing leadership, inclusion, and patient care.
An Inspirational Leader Dedicated to Patients
Ann-Marie Riley is widely regarded as an inspirational clinical leader committed to driving continuous improvement for patients, staff, and the wider healthcare system. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the patient voice is embedded at the very heart of decision-making within both the NHS and UHNM.
Reacting to the news, Riley said she was "genuinely shocked and deeply honoured" to receive the award. She emphasised that nursing has always been about patients. "Listening to them, learning from them and ensuring their voices shape every decision we make," she stated. Riley dedicated the recognition to her colleagues, saying it reflects the commitment and compassion of the nursing, midwifery, and clinical teams she works with.
Tangible Improvements Under Her Leadership
Riley's leadership at UHNM has delivered measurable results. Under her guidance, nursing and midwifery vacancies have reduced and staff retention has improved. She has championed professional development through initiatives like the Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE) and the Chief Nurse Fellowship Programme.
Her focus on quality has driven significant Care Quality Commission (CQC) improvements. Medical care and maternity services have moved from 'requires improvement' to 'good'. Notably, County Hospital, formerly Mid Staffordshire Hospital, achieved an overall 'good' rating for the first time in over a decade.
This transformative work was pivotal in UHNM being named the 2024 Nursing Times Employer of the Year for Nurses and Midwives. Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive, highlighted that the reduction in nursing vacancies is a direct result of Riley's efforts, which she now shares with chief nurses across the region.
National Influence and a Lasting Legacy
Ann-Marie Riley's influence extends beyond UHNM. She was instrumental in the national End PJ Paralysis campaign, being one of the first nurse leaders to implement it. In 2023, she received the Chief Nursing Officer for England Award for her pastoral support of international nurses.
She continues to lead research and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across the nursing profession. Dr Constable praised her as a leader who "fully demonstrates what is powerful, positive and achievable through exceptional nursing leadership."
Riley concluded by expressing pride in UHNM's progress and gratitude to colleagues, patients, and partners who continue to challenge and inspire the trust's work.
