Ann Gow – Trailblazing nurse recognised for a career of nursing excellence
Ann Gow, Deputy Chief Executive at Healthcare Improvement Scotland has been awarded the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland Award for Excellence.
The Award for Excellence, sponsored by the Scottish Government recognises exceptional nursing.
Ann is a distinguished nurse whose career exemplifies excellence in nursing. Her contribution of leadership, policy, and practice has been at local, national, and UK levels.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role at the NHS Louisa Jordan. She oversaw the delivery of nursing services as Nurse Director. Her innovative approach led to the delivery of care to over 18,000 patients and the vaccination of 10,000 NHS staff.
She was the first Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at Healthcare Improvement Scotland. She played a key role in supporting the implementation of Scotland’s safe staffing legislation. While also supporting the Scottish Quality Management System for Nursing and Midwifery. Her appointment as Scotland’s first Nurse Consultant in Public Health marked her as a trailblazer.
Ann has also chaired the NHS Scotland Executive Nurse Directors. Where she mentored senior leaders and supported the profession’s recovery post-pandemic. She continues to mentor across the UK through the RCN Foundation, and Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland.
Ann’s strategic and policy influence is extensive. She undertook advisory roles in Scottish Government and national healthcare governance. Her recent work on the Perinatal Quality Management Systems reflects her passion for child health and tackling inequalities.
“This is an incredible honour to receive, and I’m delighted to be recognised by the Chief Nurse and the RCN.
It’s been exciting and challenging to be part of the NHS in Scotland’s journey towards an increased emphasis on safety and improvement. I have always had a passion for improving health inequalities and improving care for vulnerable people. I hope I’ve helped to make a difference in these areas through my various roles.
As a nurse you are only as good as the team you work with. I would like to thank all the nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and healthcare professionals, throughout my career, who have provided extraordinary support and been great role models to me over the years.”
Deputy Chief Executive at Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Congratulating Ann on winning this prestigious award our Chief Executive, Robbie Pearson said:
“I am delighted to see Ann receive this award. This new category sums up Ann’s career, she is an exceptional nurse who has made a lasting impact across Scotland.
“On behalf of everyone at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, I would like to wish her our warmest congratulations on this achievement.”
The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards ceremony was held on the 12 of June. For more details about the award visit the RCN website.