Celebrating 50 years of care: maternity screening specialist reaches milestone

Fifty years, four specialist roles and even an invite to the Houses of Parliament – Annie Roberts' NHS career is a testament to half a century of care and commitment to families.

The Antenatal and Newborn Screening Coordinator at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is celebrating five decades of service, supporting generations of families.

Annie, 68, began her NHS career in May 1976, training as a nurse and midwife in Bradford. She delivered her first baby as a student in 1979 – the year Margaret Thatcher came to office and Y.M.C.A topped the music charts.

She moved to Oxford in 1990 as a genetic counsellor at the Churchill Hospital before moving to the John Radcliffe Hospital, initially as a secondment to set up screening for Down’s Syndrome, before taking up her current screening role in 2004.

Reflecting on working 50 years in the NHS and 36 years at OUH, Annie said: "I can't believe where the time has gone. It’s been a long, varied and rewarding career. What hasn’t changed over the years is the dedication of the people who work in the NHS. That’s what has kept me here – the people, and learning something new every day."

Annie was joined by her colleagues and family to celebrate the milestone at the John Radcliffe.

Over five decades, Annie has contributed to improvements in care both locally and nationally. One of her proudest achievements was supporting the implementation of screening for MCADD, a rare inherited metabolic condition, as part of the national rollout of newborn bloodspot screening in 2009.

Her work was recognised with an invitation to the Houses of Parliament, where she attended a reception in the Members’ Dining Room.

She said: "I had never been to Parliament before, so it was a great experience and a proud moment to see our hard work recognised nationally."

Her passion for maternity care remains at the heart of everything she does. She said: "I love what I do because there is such a variety of work spanning antenatal and newborn care, and working with colleagues and the families we care for is a privilege.

"I've loved caring for so many women and families over the years and the main thing for me is to listen and be compassionate. Often it's the smallest kindness or gesture that makes the biggest difference."

It's 50 not out for Annie, with retirement not yet on the horizon.

She said: "People keep asking about retirement – I thought 50 years might be the time, but I’m still here. It’s the people you work with and care for that still get me out of bed in the morning."

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH, said: "Annie's 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement and a tribute to her unwavering commitment to women, babies and families and to the NHS. She has played a key role over many years and is hugely respected by colleagues. 

"Half a century is not just a career – that’s national service. A huge thank you to Annie on behalf of Team Maternity for all that you have done and continue to do."