Improving maternity and neonatal care

Ann Gow and Professor Anna Glasier have been appointed as Vice Chairs of the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.

They will support the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto in leading the Taskforce’s work to improve maternity and neonatal care across Scotland.

Ann Gow is Deputy Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Professor Anna Glasier is Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion and brings extensive experience in women’s health and maternity care.

The Vice Chairs will play a key role in supporting the Taskforce 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.

The 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.”

Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier, said:

“As Women’s Health Champion, I am passionate about driving forward improvements in women’s health, and I am honoured to have been invited to join the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce. I trained in obstetrics, and I know how challenging delivering maternity care can be.

“It is vital that we have maternity services that are safe and effective, with the needs of women at their heart. Pregnant women may currently feel anxious about giving birth, but I hope that the work of the Taskforce will help to allay those fears and improve the quality of maternity care in Scotland.”

Ann Gow, Deputy Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said:

“I am honoured to accept the role of Co Vice-Chair of the Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.

“Throughout my career, I have been committed to ensuring that care is not only safe and effective but also compassionate and people focused. Having spent much of my career in child and maternal health, maternity care is of particular significance to me, and I welcome the opportunity to address not only the current demands we face but also to invest in delivering the highest level of maternity care for the future.

“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.”