A former consultant anaesthetist at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for outstanding contributions to her field.
Dr Fiona Donald, who worked at NBT for 27 years before her retirement, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.
Dr Donald specialised in obstetric anaesthesia and perioperative medicine, with further interests in teaching and training, and is also a former President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
As a consultant anaesthetist at North Bristol NHS Trust, Fiona’s leadership delivered quality and safety improvements in maternity care and anaesthetic services. She was also a founding member of the PROMPT Maternity Foundation, championing team training that has demonstrably improved safety for mothers and babies in the UK and internationally.
Dr Donald said: “I am delighted to have been awarded the OBE, particularly because this honour also reflects the work of the many individuals and teams I have had the pleasure of working with over the course of my career. Each collaboration provided a learning opportunity which helped me work towards my ultimate aims of improving patient outcomes and educating future generations of anaesthetists.
“I’m especially proud to have been a part of obstetrics and maternity care at NBT, particularly being the lead anaesthetist for my first 10 years as a consultant on the unit. I’ve worked within some great teams and have really enjoyed working at NBT with some amazing people.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me over the years. This award is truly a team effort.”
Maria Kane, Bristol NHS Group Chief Executive, said: “Everyone across the Bristol NHS Group is delighted for Dr Donald and this accolade is the perfect celebration of her truly outstanding career.
“Dr Donald was an extremely valued member of NBT’s medical workforce for almost three decades and I’ve no doubt that her dedication to teaching others, supporting her colleagues and tirelessly advocating for our patients has led to improved outcomes for women, babies and families across the South West. It is only fitting that her achievements and commitment to anaesthesia are honoured in such a meaningful way.”
Dr Donald qualified in 1985 and trained in anaesthesia in Bristol, the South West, Oxford and Geneva and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 1991. In later years, working collaboratively with national bodies, government and members, she championed measures to improve patient safety, reduce waiting times and strengthen the resilience of anaesthesia services.
Professor Tim Whittlestone, Bristol NHS Group Chief Medical Officer, said: “Dr Donald has devoted her long career to advancing anaesthetic practice, training and advocating for women in medicine at Southmead Hospital, regionally in the South West and nationally through her role as President of the Royal College of Anaesthesia.
“Her New Year’s Honour is thoroughly deserved and will be celebrated across North Bristol NHS Trust.”