Tributes have been paid following the death of a renowned Scottish obstetrician after a long battle with Covid-19.
Fiona Denison, a Professor of Translational Obstetrics at the University of Edinburgh and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at NHS Lothian died yesterday.
Health leaders said Prof Denison’s research work in reproductive medicine had “changed health outcomes for mothers and babies here in Scotland and beyond” while she was described as a "charming, gentle and caring" clinician.
Her brother Alan Denison, a radiologist with NHS Grampian and Postgraduate Dean at Aberdeen University, led tributes to Prof Denison, who was also a talented artist.
He said: "My sister died yesterday following a long battle with Covid.
"A gifted, kind and compassionate obstetrician, researcher, teacher, academic, musician, friend, wife, mother, auntie and daughter. RIP."
No further details were released about her illness.
Prof Denison was director of the Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, which works to prevent stillbirths and premature births across the UK.
My sister @FionaDenison died yesterday following a long battle with Covid. A gifted, kind and compassionate obstetrician, researcher, teacher, academic, musician, friend, wife, mother, auntie and daughter. RIP. 😭
— Alan Denison (@AbdnAlan) January 9, 2022
She recognised that many babies die during or shortly after childbirth due to gaps in the monitoring process and led a project to develop medical devices to try to improve processes.
Her contributions have improved health outcomes for mothers and babies here in Scotland and beyond.
She was also the Chief Executive of Birthing Solutions and created a mirror to help midwives and new mums view the birthing process more easily and for which she won a number of awards.
She was a finalist in the 2013 NHS Lothian Health Hero awards, nominated by one of her patients for her concern for patient wellbeing.
Professor Hilary Critchley, Head of Deanery Clinical Sciences and Co-Deputy Director MRC Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh said: “We are all deeply saddened at the passing of our much-loved colleague, Professor Fiona Denison from the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, over the weekend.
“Fiona touched many lives - as a caring clinician, an inspiring teacher and a passionate researcher.
"She was committed to translating research into clinical practice and her contributions have improved health outcomes for mothers and babies here in Scotland and beyond.
"Above all, she was a supportive colleague and friend. Her loss will be felt greatly by all who knew her.”
Nicolas Mills, a Professor of Cardiology at Edinburgh University wrote on Twitter: "Fiona was a brilliant doctor and researcher, and a lovely, kind and generous person. "She will be missed by so many."
Dr Anna Dover, a Consultant in Endocrinology and Diabetes, shared a painting that Prof Denison had created for her while she was convalescing.
She wrote: "Fiona faced her illness with great bravery and strength. She will be much missed. My condolences to you and the family. She painted this for me during her convalescence. RIP."
Scotland recorded 11,827 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, according to new figures.
A total of 9,934 people have died after testing positive for the virus as of yesterday.
A further 12,470 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate up to January 2.
Deaths in care homes make up 29% of all registered deaths while 64% were in hospitals and 7% were at home or non-institutional settings.
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