Patricia Purton in her 23 years of service in the National Health Service and further 14 years as Director/Board Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives UK Board for Scotland has made an outstanding contribution to the midwifery profession.  Her exemplary and consistent leadership as Director of the Board for Scotland has steered the profession through complex organisational changes.  She has effectively lobbied and influenced managers, educationalists and clinicians at all levels whilst providing a welcoming environment at the Board for Scotland for all Scottish Midwives. 

Patricia has championed the RCM's profile in the Scottish political arena.  Since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament she has worked closely with ministers across all parties, forging effective relationships and demonstrating the positive value of midwifery and its contribution to improved birth experiences of women in Scotland.

Her trade union partnership work with the Scottish Partnership and as co-convenor of the Scottish Human Resources Conference has strengthened the RCM's standing and reputation in Scotland.

Her most significant contribution has been in lobbying for, and her central role in, the development of A Maternity Services Framework in Scotland, the first of its kind in the UK.  She has acted as a catalyst for change at both policy and operational levels encompassing, enabling and ensuring the full use of midwives skills.

The Council is proud to include Patricia's name on the Register of Honorary Fellows of the RCM.