Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust bids a fond farewell to Anne McPherson MBE after six decades of dedicated service to community healthcare
Anne McPherson MBE has stepped down from her role as Trust Adviser to begin retirement after 60 years’ service to nursing and healthcare. Anne’s diverse career has included leadership roles in nursing, midwifery and commissioning, and her extensive experience and expertise has made a vital and valued contribution to healthcare within the Hertfordshire community and beyond. This was recognised nationally in January 2015 when Anne was awarded an MBE for services to nursing and healthcare.
Anne McPherson MBE said: “I started training to be a nurse in 1959 and began my career as a midwife in Scotland back in 1964, so whenever I go onto a ward or out with a Community Nurse or Health Visitor, I know what it feels like to be someone who is providing frontline care. And that’s what a good NHS Trust Board always has to remember - it’s what our patients and staff think that is the most important. We should do everything we can to support them.
“Thank you to everyone who I have met along my healthcare journey over the past 60 years. My greatest joy in life is when I meet someone first as a student nurse and I see them advancing in the profession. The past year has been difficult but I have been so impressed at how we have come together to continue to support our community. We will move on and we can look forward to better times.
“My sincere thanks to all of you who have supported me as well, because none of our achievements can happen by working alone. I’m only a small part of a much bigger team and the really wonderful organisation that HCT is. Thank you so much for the good wishes and gifts, I am genuinely overwhelmed.”
Anne McPherson MBE with Dr Linda Sheridan, HCT Chair
Dr Linda Sheridan, Chair of HCT Board, said: “Anne has been involved with HCT from before the trust was fully established ten years ago and has been a wonderful supporter over this time. She is passionate about quality in healthcare and keeps us all grounded and focused on our top priority – our patients. She has a superb analytical brain and over the years of chairing our Quality Committee she always knows what to ask, to fully understand, and gain assurance on the quality reports we receive. She is well known and greatly valued by staff across the trust and throughout the wider NHS. Thank you Anne for being an inspiration and a role model to us all.”
Elliot Howard-Jones, HCT Chief Executive said: “Anne’s contribution to healthcare delivery and innovation is immeasurable. Her commitment to ensuring people have access to the highest standards of healthcare has been the driving force behind many of our innovations, and she leaves behind a legacy to be proud of. Her hard work and support during the pandemic has been particularly appreciated. On behalf of the whole HCT team I would like to say thank you and best wishes for a much deserved retirement.”
Anne was appointed as an adviser to the HCT Board on 1 April 2020, having previously served as a Non Executive Director from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2020. She is a nurse and midwife with extensive board level experience. Anne was Chief Nurse for the former health authorities in Hertfordshire and held several other Director of Nursing posts, including at an integrated NHS trust. Anne was Executive Officer for the Nurse Directors Association and Associate Consultant for the International Hospitals Group where she was involved in commissioning new hospitals overseas. She is also a Specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission. Additionally, Anne has served as a non-executive director for Dacorum Primary Care Trust and West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust and as a Trustee for Isabel Hospice. She was also Independent Lay Chair for NHS England’s Central Midlands and East Performers List Decision Panel.
