Pioneering Midwife Agnes Nisbett Honoured for Transforming Stillbirth Care
By Community Correspondent
A pioneering midwife who transformed care for mothers of stillborn babies has been honoured by the University of Leicester.
In 1973, Agnes Nisbett suffered the heartbreak of a stillbirth at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), an experience made even more distressing by the way her baby was taken from her.
Determined that no other mother should endure the same trauma, Agnes went on to turn her personal tragedy into positive change.
She established a series of initiatives to support women facing stillbirth, including the Born While Sleeping programme at LRI. This pioneering scheme, which featured a dedicated ward for mothers of stillborn babies, was the first of its kind in the UK.
Thanks to Agnes’s work, parents of stillborn babies are now able to keep treasured mementoes such as clothing, photographs, and handprints, and are given clear information about where their child is buried.
In recognition of her achievements, Agnes was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science at a graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall.
Agnes said: “I’m deeply touched by this honour. My life’s work grew out of a simple belief that no mother should face loss alone, and Leicester gave me the chance to put that belief into practice. It’s the place where I turned my pain into purpose, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I accept this degree on behalf of the mothers who trusted me, the colleagues who stood with me, and the community that has supported me for so many years.”
Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, Agnes completed her nursing training on the neighbouring island of St Kitts. In 1959, she travelled to the UK on the advice of her matron, accompanied by her boyfriend James, and settled in Leeds, where some of her relatives were already living.
As one of only two Black nurses at St James’s Hospital, Agnes faced racism from both colleagues and patients. She drew strength from her Christian faith to overcome these challenges and continue her career.
In 1965, one year after marrying James, Agnes secured a position as a midwife at Leicester’s first specialist maternity hospital, Bond Street Hospital.
As a Black woman, she found she had to work twice as hard to prove herself. She was promoted to sister, later became a community midwife, and eventually rose to the role of nursing officer at Leicester Royal Infirmary, a position she held until her retirement.
Agnes’s outstanding contribution to maternity care—particularly her work supporting mothers whose babies are born sleeping—alongside her efforts to promote healthcare within the Caribbean community in Britain, has earned her both a Pride of Britain Award and a TSB Community Hero Award. She remains an active member of her community and church.
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, said:
“Agnes has been a true pioneer in her field, despite facing many personal barriers and setbacks. She overcame racism in the workplace to forge a highly successful career in midwifery and nursing, before turning her personal heartbreak into a determination to help others who experienced stillbirth.
“Many parents of stillborn children here in Leicester have received outstanding support in their hour of need, and that is down to Agnes – what a truly remarkable woman.”
