The senior nurse from Ghana, who has dedicated almost 50 years of service to the United Kingdom’s NHS, will be retiring soon.
Matron Rose Amankwaah began her work with the NHS in the UK only three years following her participation in the 100m relay for Ghana at the Munich 1972 Olympics, as reported by news.sky.com.
Rose Amankwaah, a former international sprinter and athlete, was once hailed as the “fastest woman in Africa.”
According to the report, her retirement is scheduled to occur in March 2024, marking the culmination of her 49-year career as a nurse with the NHS.
“The theatre matron started working for the NHS in 1975, just three years after she ran in the 100m relay for Ghana at the Munich 1972 Olympics.”
“Mrs Amankwaah, known affectionately as Matron Rose while at work, has spent her whole nursing career at Central Middlesex Hospital in London. She was initially given weekends off so she could continue her athletics training,” the report stated.
She reportedly participated in numerous significant tournaments, such as the Africa Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.
According to her own account, she stated: “I’m happy that I’m going to have some time with my family but I have been in this hospital all my life, so retirement feels like losing something – you’re part of the furniture and all of a sudden you are not going to be.”
“But I’m so happy that I have achieved what I want to achieve.”
Rose Amankwaah was awarded the NHS Silver Medal by England’s chief nurse, Dame Ruth May, in the year 2023.
Upon her retirement, Rose intends to promptly travel to Ghana to reunite with her 87-year-old sister, alongside various other planned endeavors.
“She is still considering whether to stay on the nursing register and work in a bank role to provide supplementary cover when called on,” the report added.
While serving at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Ms. Amankwaah, a mother of four and grandmother of ten, had the opportunity to interact with members of royalty and senior politicians.
There are photographs capturing moments where she can be seen shaking hands with the King, the then-Prince of Wales, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
