Southport's Beloved Midwife Robin Rootes Bids Adieu After 51 Years

A Southport midwife has retired after 51 years of providing dedicated care and support for patients and colleagues.

Robin Rootes said a sad farewell to colleagues at a packed party this week and looked back on a successful career that even involved a day with Royalty.

The 67-year-old began her career as a cadet nurse in Southport at the age of just 16 before embarking on a career that included roles in Luton, Stoke Mandeville and Liverpool before returning to her roots and finishing her career at Ormskirk.

Looking back on her time in the NHS she said: “I have had an amazing time and there have been so many highlights.

“It has been a privilege to have been in the roles I have had too. The determination and spirit shown by so many who had been paralysed while at Stoke Mandeville is something I will never forget. The way so many people looked to rebuild their live after going through such life changing experiences was amazing.

“As a midwife I will always look back with pride at seeing new lives being born and at times using all our training and skills to ensure a newborn baby takes its first breathe when without you being there it may not have happened is always something I will be proud of.’’

As well as working as a nurse, midwife and manager Robin has spent a number of years teaching NHS staff of the future and promoting the benefits of baby massage, a role where she spent time with Prince Edward’s wife Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Said Robin: “I was teaching baby massage skills to a group at a local Sure Start meeting when Sophie visited. She was really interested in what we were doing and took part herself. She was so lovely and it was a day I will always remember.’’

One of Robin’s highlights has been her commitment to helping others as a Royal College of Midwives Branch Steward over the past 35 years.

“I learned so much in that role, and working with other union representatives, it was unbelievable. I was committed to helping colleagues at a time when many of them really needed support and I still get messages now from people I have helped over the years which is lovely.’’

Looking ahead to the future Robin said: “I think I will take a couple of months off but then perhaps look to become a volunteer somewhere where I can use my skills and experience to help others.’’

Lesley Fawcett, Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator said: “Robin has been a dedicated part of the team initially at the Christiana Hartley Maternity Unit in Southport, then at the maternity Unit at Southport Hospital and then coming here to Ormskirk following the closure of the Southport Maternity Unit.

“She has been a wonderful part of the NHS and she will be sorely missed.’’