50 years of midwifery: Celebrating Trish Dyter | News

Congratulations to Trish Dyter, Senior Midwife and Professional Midwifery Advocate at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT), who is celebrating an incredible 50 years in midwifery.

Trish’s important milestone was celebrated with a surprise party at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where colleagues past and present welcomed her with applause, flowers, cake, hugs and a few happy tears. 

She was also presented with a framed certificate recognising her Divisional Star of the Month award. Her nomination was read out and included a colleague stating that midwifery is in Trish's soul. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has also recognised her achievement, providing flowers and Trish set to be featured in its magazine.

Trish began her career as a newly qualified midwife at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, on 1 June 1976. Through changes in NHS organisations and maternity services, she has continued to serve the local community, becoming part of LGT from its beginnings.

Today she co-ordinates the Pregnancy Vaccination clinics across both sites. Through her work, the service has grown to provide clinics five days a week at  both sites, alongside a satellite clinic at Queen Mary's hospital.

She also continues her work as a Professional Midwifery Advocate, undertaking birth reviews to support learning and improve care.

We spoke to Trish, who reflected on her career. She said: “I have always loved what I do, there has been a great variety of experience. I have watched the profession develop and change over the years. It remains a privilege to be a part of a woman’s pregnancy, labour and delivery.”

When asked what makes working at LGT special, she said: “I have always felt well supported in whatever I have asked to do. I have been allowed to grow and develop in so many ways. Midwifery is such a diverse profession these days, offering so many opportunities, all under the umbrella of midwifery.”

Looking back over 50 years, Trish found it difficult to choose just one defining moment. Instead, she shared a touching reminder of the impact she has had on generations of families: “I have, at home, a trunk full of thank-you cards from ladies and families that I have looked after over the years; these cards would not mean anything to anyone but me. Ladies that I have cared for or delivered still recognise me and will stop to have a chat.”

Asked what advice she would give to those starting their careers, her answer was simple: “BE KIND.”

She explained: “I do a lot of birth reviews, and kindness will always be mentioned as a standout. The profession is under so much expectation and pressure, but being kind costs nothing and makes such a difference.”

Shirley Peterson, Chief Midwife at LGT, paid tribute to Trish’s outstanding contribution and the difference she continues to make. She said: "Trish is a much-loved and valued colleague within the Maternity Unit. She makes time for everybody and is always so kind. We came together today to honour your extensive service, both as a person and as a midwife. 

“Our high maternity vaccination rates are down to Trish and her amazing work. Thank you for everything you do Trish, five decades of dedication, compassion and commitment to women, babies and families. You are a hard act to follow, please don’t stop."

Thanking everyone who came to celebrate with her, Trish said she was deeply touched by the celebration and grateful for her children, family and the support she has received throughout her career.

“I love what I do, enjoy the work and I believes midwifery is part of who I am, and yes, it is in my soul," she said, as her colleagues gave her another huge round of applause.

Thank you, Trish, for 50 extraordinary years of caring for women, babies and families, and for inspiring colleagues across TeamLGT.