Gynaecology nurse awarded first RCOG honorary fellowship

Debra Holloway has become the first gynaecology nurse to be awarded an honorary fellowship by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

Debra, who trained at Guy’s Hospital in the 1980s, now manages all referrals into the gynaecology outpatient department, runs her own minor procedures clinics and provides a telephone helpline service for patients and for other health professionals.

Janice Rymer, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, nominated Debra to receive the fellowship. She said: “Debra has made an enormous contribution to the healthcare of women, both nationally and internationally. 

“Her patients adore her. She is kind, incredibly competent, extremely knowledgeable, and very efficient.”

Lynne Pacanowski, Director of Midwifery and Head of Gynaecology Nursing, says: “Debra is a shining example of the nurse consultant role. She has a phenomenal breadth and depth of knowledge of gynaecology, is a great teacher both in the academic and clinical setting, and is actively involved in research. She regularly presents at national conferences and is an outstanding clinician who demonstrates an exemplary ‘bedside manner’.

"A comment from a patient who attended her clinic describes her experience: ‘I am a very anxious patient but Debby Holloway was so caring, thoughtful and professional I felt completely at ease’.”

Debra is also the Royal College of Nursing Forum Chair for Women’s Health and has played a significant nursing lead role in the British Menopause Society and the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy.