A pioneering midwife who revolutionised support for parents experiencing stillbirth has been honoured with a prestigious university award. Agnes Nisbett received an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Leicester in a ceremony held at De Montfort Hall on Friday 16 January.
From Personal Tragedy to National Legacy
The foundation of Agnes Nisbett's remarkable work was a profound personal loss. In 1973, she suffered the heartbreak of a stillbirth at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI). The experience was compounded by the clinical handling of her situation, which included her baby being taken away from her.
Determined to ensure no other mother faced such trauma alone, Agnes channelled her grief into action. She established the groundbreaking Born While Sleeping programme at the LRI. This initiative created the UK's first dedicated ward for mothers of stillborn babies, offering a compassionate and private space for families to grieve.
Thanks to her advocacy, standard practice changed across the country. Parents were now able to keep precious mementoes of their child, including clothing, photographs, and handprints. They were also given the right to know where their child was buried, providing crucial elements for the grieving process.
A Career Forged Through Resilience
Agnes's journey to becoming a healthcare pioneer was marked by significant personal barriers. Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, she completed her nursing training on St Kitts. In 1959, following her matron's advice, she travelled to the UK with her boyfriend James, settling in Leeds where she had relatives.
Her early career in the UK was challenging. As one of only two black nurses at St James's Hospital, she faced racism from both colleagues and patients. She relied on her strong Christian faith to navigate these hardships. After marrying James in 1964, she moved to Leicester the following year, securing a position as a midwife at the city's first specialist maternity hospital, Bond Street Hospital.
"As a black woman, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself," Agnes has reflected. Her dedication saw her rise through the ranks, progressing to sister, then community midwife, and finally to a nursing officer at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, a role she held until retirement.
Recognition for a Life's Work
At the graduation ceremony, Agnes expressed her deep emotion at receiving the honour. "I'm deeply touched by this honour," she said. "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."
She dedicated the degree to those who supported her journey: "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."
Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, praised her extraordinary contribution. "Agnes has been a true pioneer in her field, despite facing many personal barriers and setbacks," he said. "Many, 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."
Agnes's legacy extends beyond stillbirth care. She has also worked tirelessly to promote healthcare within the British Caribbean community. Her efforts have previously been recognised with a Pride of Britain Award and a TSB Community Hero award. Today, she remains an active pillar of both her local community and her church.
