The Chief Nurse at University of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been awarded an OBE.

Ann-Marie Riley has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List.

UHNM, which runs Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford, explained that Ann-Marie is widely recognised as an "inspirational clinical leader, dedicated to continuous improvement for patients, staff and the wider healthcare system".

Ann-Marie said: "I am genuinely shocked and deeply honoured to receive this award.

"Nursing has always been, and will always be, about patients – listening to them, learning from them and ensuring their voices shape every decision we make.

"Keeping patients at the heart of everything we do is the most important part of my role, and it is a privilege to serve in that way.

"This recognition is as much for the amazing teams I work with every day as it is for me.

"It reflects the commitment, compassion and professionalism of the nursing, midwifery and wider clinical teams I have the honour of working alongside every day at UHNM and have worked with across the NHS.

"Together, we have worked hard to create cultures where people feel valued, supported and able to deliver the very best care for our patients."

She added: "I remain incredibly proud of our progress at UHNM and grateful to colleagues, patients and partners who continue to challenge us, inspire us and remind us why our work matters."

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive said: "Ann-Marie is both an inspirational and thoughtful clinical leader who is dedicated to continuous improvement for our patients, our staff, and beyond.

"She has worked tirelessly to bring patients and the patient voice into our decision-making processes, and she has utilised her diverse background to drive inclusion."

UHNM explained that under Ann-Marie's leadership, nursing and midwifery vacancies have reduced, and retention has improved.

The NHS Trust also acknowledged her contributions to the development of the Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE), the Chief Nurse Fellowship Programme and her role in driving Care Quality Commission improvements.

Medical care and maternity services were rated as good from requires improvement and County Hospital from an overall requires improvement rating to good for the first time in over a decade.

Dr Constable added: "Our nursing vacancies have significantly reduced as a direct result of the work Ann-Marie has done above and beyond.

"This work was key to our success in winning the 2024 Nursing Times Employer of the Year Award for Nurses and Midwives.

"Importantly, Ann-Marie is now sharing this learning with chief nurses across the region – collaboration and sharing more widely is a key theme of her leadership."

Ann-Marie has been involved in the national End PJ Paralysis campaign and in 2023 she was awarded the Chief Nursing Officer for England Award for the pastoral support provided to international nurses.

"I am delighted Ann-Marie has received this honour in recognition for her hard work, drive for exemplar standards and true team working - all of which has made a significant impact on how we deliver care at UHNM. She leads with all the right values, to the highest of standards, and fully demonstrates what is powerful, positive and achievable through exceptional nursing leadership," Dr Constable said.