Tributes to doctor who left 'profound' effect on world

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to an obstetrician whose work had a "profound effect on the world and helped countless babies".

Professor Tim Draycott, who has worked at Bristol's Southmead Hospital between 2002 to 2025, died on 24 November after a sudden illness.

North Bristol NHS Trust medical director for medical workforce, Dr Sam Patel, said his work has "led to improved outcomes for mothers and babies across the world".

Dr Patel added: "He championed the idea that good outcomes happen when teams – doctors, midwives, nurses, and support staff - work and train together. This is his profound and enduring legacy."

Professor Draycott developed PROMPT - a pioneering training programme for midwives designed to help them respond swiftly to signs of foetal distress during childbirth.

This has helped countless families during childbirth, a trust spokesperson added.

"Tim's greatest skill was his ability to make everyone, whoever they were, feel special and important," Dr Patel added.

"He delivered hundreds of babies, touched so many lives, furthered countless careers and opened doors around the world."

Professor Draycott received numerous awards for his work, including a Hospital Doctor of the Year and a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Excellence in Education, among others.

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