Former hospitals’ Chief Executive, Ann Marr OBE, was honoured by her colleagues as she received a Lifetime Award for her services to the NHS.
Ann, who spent 21 years as Chief Executive at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (formerly St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals), was awarded the honour at the Trust’s annual staff awards on Friday (11th July 2025) .
After joining the Trust in 2003, Ann was the driving force behind the building of the new Whiston and St Helens hospitals, replacing the old Victorian estate with world-class healthcare facilities.
Under her leadership the Trust won numerous national awards, achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC and was recognised as the ‘best Trust in the NHS’ by the Health Service Journal.
Ann then led the successful merger between Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospitals Trust and St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals to form MWL.
She retired from the Trust in November 2024 with over 44 years NHS service.
Presenting the award, current Trust Chief Executive, Rob Cooper said: “From the earliest days, through countless changes and challenges, Ann’s passion for providing the highest standards of care never wavered.
“She re-built hospitals, merged organisations and took us all on a journey to being one of the greatest Trusts in the NHS, and she did it all with integrity, compassion, and a tireless spirit.
“Ann has been a mentor, a leader, and a friend to many, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and kindness in all they do.
“Her legacy is one of care, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of the NHS to change lives for the better.”
Accepting the award, Ann admitted that after many years being the one who presented others with their honours, she was overwhelmed to receive one herself and emphasised her pride in the staff at the Trust.
She said: “I can’t say enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed my years leading one of the greatest teams in the NHS.
“I am truly overwhelmed and honoured to receive this recognition. I miss you all, but I know you continue to give your all each and every day, as you have always done, and I am forever thankful to have been your Chief Executive for so many years.
“One last time I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you do for your patients and their families, thank you for always looking after each other, I am so proud of you all.”
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