Legendary Sprinter Turned Matron: Rose Amankwaah retires after 5 decades in NHS
Rose Amankwaah, once hailed as the “Fastest Woman in Africa” and a former record-holder for the 100m dash, bids farewell to her illustrious career in healthcare, retiring after nearly five decades of dedicated service within the London North West University Healthcare (NHS) system. Mrs. Amankwaah, formerly known as Rose Asiedua, culminates her remarkable journey as a theatre matron, having spent her entire medical tenure at Central Middlesex Hospital.
Arriving in England in 1974 at the age of 22, Rose embarked on her nursing training, swiftly ascending to become a staff nurse at the hospital a year later. Her athleticism paralleled her medical pursuits as she represented Ghana in the 1974 Commonwealth Games, leaving a trail of admiration as one of Africa’s finest sprinters. The corridors of Central Middlesex Hospital bore witness to her dual excellence, where she balanced her nursing duties with rigorous athletics training, even sharing tracks with the legendary Linford Christie.
In 2023, capping her exceptional career, Mrs. Amankwaah was honored with the NHS Silver Medal Award by Dame Ruth May, England’s chief nurse, a testament to her enduring commitment and contributions to healthcare. Reflecting on her sprinting journey, she reminisced, “I started running in 1958 when I was in secondary school in Ghana…I started representing Ghana with high jump but then a coach came to me and said they would like to train me in 100m and 200m races.” READ ALSO: UK records first-ever womb transplant from sister to sister
Throughout her tenure, Rose encountered dignitaries ranging from royalty to senior politicians, including memorable encounters with Prince Charles and Tony Blair. Her interactions enriched her journey, yet retirement tugs at her heartstrings, akin to bidding farewell to a cherished part of her identity. “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,” she expressed, acknowledging the bittersweet transition.
Mrs. Amankwaah’s legacy extends beyond her athletic feats and medical expertise; she witnessed the evolution of surgical techniques firsthand, from traditional open procedures to the advent of laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. As she embarks on her retirement journey, she plans to reconnect with her roots in Ghana, embracing moments with loved ones and eagerly anticipating the upcoming Paris Olympics.
A spokesperson from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust fondly remarked, “The NHS is all about people and we’ll all miss Rose when she goes. She is a great nurse and personality and, after 49 years, still knows how to set the pace and run the race.” Rose Amankwaah’s indelible mark on both the track and in healthcare stands as a beacon of resilience and dedication, inspiring generations to pursue their passions with unwavering commitment.
