West Ealing Man Gets Top Midwifery Honour

Royal College of Midwives recognises David Foster

A man from West Ealing has been recognised by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for his services.

David Foster was deputy chief nursing officer, head of a policy unit and midwifery advisor at the Department of Health for eight years.

Her has been awarded a prestigious Honorary Fellowship from the RCM which is given  to those who make an outstanding contribution, or give outstanding service, to midwifery, maternity services, services for women and their families or to the RCM.

Kathryn Gutteridge, President of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “David has been hugely influential in championing midwifery and the wider NHS. His influence and support have been critical in ensuring the midwifery voice was listened to.  This is thoroughly deserved recognition and the Royal College of Midwives is delighted to award David this Honorary Fellowship.”

Having trained in nursing at the Middlesex Hospital in London and in midwifery at Stirling and Falkirk Royal Infirmaries in Scotland he held a range of clinical, managerial and professional leadership posts culminating in his being director of nursing at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust in London.  He also an academic gaining a PhD in 1998 and is a visiting professor at three universities.  He retired in 2016 after a long career in the NHS and civil service. 

David Foster said “I am delighted to accept this extraordinary, unexpected and greatly appreciated accolade.  It recognises achievements which could not have been accomplished alone - it’s also a tribute to the skilled and distinguished midwives I have worked with to influence national policy and improve care for women and babies.”  

12th March 2018