A former theatre matron who represented Ghana in the 1972 Olympics is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of athletic and medical excellence.
Rose Amankwaah, once hailed as the ‘fastest woman in Africa’ during her sprinting days, has bid farewell to her illustrious career in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) after nearly five decades of service.
The 72-year-old, who represented Ghana at the Munich 1972 Olympics, has left an indelible mark not only in athletics but also in healthcare, particularly in surgical theatres.
She was a gold medallist in the 200m at the Latin American Games, a silver and gold winner in the 100m and 4x100 relay in the All Africa Games and a bronze in the 4x100m relay at the Commonwealth Games.
Mrs Amankwaah’s journey into the NHS began in 1975, three years after her Olympic appearance.
Initially employed at Central Middlesex Hospital, she seamlessly transitioned from her athletic pursuits to a career in nursing, showing the same dedication and vigour that propelled her to success on the track.
In her early days at the hospital, she balanced her nursing duties with athletics training, rubbing shoulders with future Olympic champion Linford Christie.
Over the years, Mrs Amankwaah ascended the ranks, eventually finding her niche as a theatre matron. ‘Matron Rose’ oversaw countless surgical procedures with precision and compassion.
During her tenure, she witnessed remarkable advancements in surgical techniques – from traditional open surgeries to the widespread adoption of laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
She remained at the forefront, adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape with unwavering commitment.
Reflecting on her remarkable career, Mrs Amankwaah expressed both gratitude and nostalgia.
‘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.’
Regarding her sprinting career, she said: ‘I started running in 1958 when I was in secondary school in Ghana. I started representing Ghana with a high jump, but then a coach came to me and said they would like to train me in 100m and 200m races.’
She expressed joy at the prospect of spending more time with her family and indulging in her passion for sports, including watching the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Mrs Amankwaah’s impact extended beyond the operating theatre, as she had the privilege of meeting royalty and senior politicians throughout her career.
Her colleagues at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust praised her as a skilled nurse with a cherished personality who knew how to ‘set the pace and run the race’.
Among her many accolades, Mrs Amankwaah recently received the prestigious NHS Silver Medal Award, presented by England's Chief Nursing Officer, Dame Ruth May.
The recognition was a testament to her exceptional contributions to nursing, spanning four decades of dedicated service.
Her advice to aspiring nurses echoes her own journey – ‘I’ve had a wonderful career, and so can anyone else. I always tell younger nurses to be focused, enthusiastic and push yourself to be the best you can be.’
