Ann Gow appointed in key Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce role
Ann Gow, Deputy Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.
Ann will work alongside Professor Anna Glasier, Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion, who has also been appointed as a Vice Chair, to support Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, in leading the Taskforce’s work.
The Vice Chairs will play a key role in the Taskforce in helping to improve maternity and neonatal care across Scotland, working closely with the Minister, clinicians, service leaders and families to help drive safe, high-quality and compassionate care.
Ann said:
“I’m honoured to accept the role of Co Vice Chair. This Taskforce offers a vital opportunity to work collaboratively across professions and communities, listening to the voices of women, families and staff.
“Together we will strive to deliver equitable, high-quality maternity services that improve outcomes and experiences for every family across Scotland.”
Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said:
“I am very pleased to welcome Ann Gow and Professor Anna Glasier as Vice Chairs of the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce. Their extensive experience and commitment to improving health care for women, babies and families in Scotland will be invaluable as we take forward this vital work.”
Ann, who was previously awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List, was also appointed last year as the independent observer on the oversight panel of a maternity unit in Swansea, to provide assurance to the Welsh Government on the implementation of recommendations.
Ann has held numerous senior nurse leadership posts, including Interim Executive Nurse Director, Associate Nurse Director for Primary Care, and IJB lead Nurse in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, before moving to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as Chief Nurse for Regional Services. During the pandemic, Ann took on the role of Nurse Director for NHS Louisa Jordan, helping set up a fully-functioning hospital in just three weeks.