This weekend the Trust will say an emotional farewell to Chief Executive, Ann Marr OBE who officially retired after more than 20 years in her role.
Ann began her career in the NHS as a junior clerk more than 40 years ago and after qualifying as an accountant, she progressed to Director of Finance roles at two Merseyside NHS Trusts before becoming Chief Executive of Liverpool Women's Hospital, moving to St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust a couple of years later.
She transformed the struggling Trust into a multi-award-winning organisation, recognised as one of the best in the NHS, and oversaw the redevelopment of both Whiston and St Helens hospitals from Victorian workhouse buildings to world-class 21st century facilities.
Ann went on to be awarded the prestigious accolade of Northwest 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 was awarded an honorary fellowship of Liverpool John Moores University in 2016 and then a coveted OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2020 for services to the NHS.
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 and won numerous awards for our excellent clinical care as well as 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.