Maternity Matron Lorna Foster has worked her last shift after a staggering 41 years working in the NHS and nearly 24 years at Heartlands Hospital.

Lorna started her nurse training in 1974, before devoting her career to midwifery at Heartlands Hospital as a midwife, then matron.

As supervisor of midwives in 2001, Lorna developed and set up the Hospital’s Maternity Triage Assessment Area where women who are 18 or more weeks pregnant with minor issues in pregnancy or labour can be referred to and be assessed.  Lorna also developed the first patient information leaflet for induction of labour for Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Heartlands Hospital.

Over 100 former patients and colleagues turned up to a gathering at the Princess of Wales Women’s Unit at Heartlands Hospital to say goodbye to Lorna who intends to revive her artistic talents on her retirement.

Lorna said: “I’ve been very happy working here, at times it’s challenging but the support from colleagues on the ground up makes it all worthwhile.  I’m always seeing people I’ve met over the years and I am still moved by the process of birth.”

Joy Payne, head of midwifery at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust said: “Lorna is an exceptional person with many leadership qualities.  She will be greatly missed but leaves her legacy with us.”