NHS England in the East of England has appointed Dr Edward Morris as regional medical director.

Eddie is president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and joins the region from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he is currently a consultant gynaecologist. He is also an honorary senior lecturer at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.

Dr Eddie Morris said: 

“I am honoured to have served the College and I’m proud we have tackled some of the hardest issues, to improve the health of women and girls here in the UK and globally. Addressing health inequalities is a personal and professional priority and I’m certain the work I started will continue, and the reforms we’ve made in the obstetric and gynaecology workforce will strengthen.

“I’ve worked in Norfolk for over twenty years and the role of regional medical director gives me the unique opportunity to build on the great strides we’ve made. The NHS faces a challenging time and I’m excited to bring my experience into the regional team as we work together to address the post-pandemic backlog, tackle health inequalities, and put patients’ needs at the heart of everything we do.”

Clare Panniker, regional director for NHS East of England, said:

“I’m delighted Eddie is joining us. His vast experience and exemplary clinical leadership, particularly his drive to tackle health inequalities, will be key as we navigate a pressured winter and continue to recover services to provide the best, joined up care for patients.”

Sam Higginson, chief executive at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We’d like to congratulate Dr Morris on his new regional role at NHS England. He is a hugely experienced clinician and the whole of the East of England will benefit from his expertise. We look forward to working with Dr Morris in his new role.”

 Kate Lancaster, chief executive of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:

“Eddie steered the College with clear, calm leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. He provided expert leadership to the College together with advice and guidance to women, clinicians and Government at a time of great national challenge.

“I have no doubt that he will bring his strategic thinking and leadership to his new role and will be an asset to them as they address some of the challenges in the NHS.”

Eddie will start in December. He takes over from Dr Melanie Iles, who has been acting medical director since April due to Dr Sean O’Kelly’s move to the CQC in June.

Edward Morris full biography

Dr Edward Morris takes up his new position as regional medical director for the East of England, in December 2022, following his three-year presidency at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

He took up his Presidency in 2019 and during his time he covered the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly producing the RCOG COVID guidance, the call for workforce investment and the need to address health inequalities.

Dr Edward Morris MD FRCOG is a consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.

Prior to his Presidency, he was RCOG Vice President for Clinical Quality (2016-2019) and Fellows representative for the East of England on RCOG Council (2011-2016). During his Presidency he also held the position of Vice Chair (Standards) at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

Dr Morris leads specialist menopause and tertiary endometriosis services. He has authored over 150 peer reviewed articles, book chapters and national documents, is co-editor of the Journal “Post Reproductive Health” and inventor of the website “Manage my Menopause”.

He is globally recognised for his work throughout his career in patient safety, standards and guideline production and medical device work with the MHRA. He was the inaugural chair of the RCOG Patient Safety and Quality Committee and chairman of the British Menopause Society 2013-2015.