Former health chief remembered at new Wigan Infirmary unit named in his honour
Tributes were paid to the former boss of Wigan’s hospital trust as a new unit in his name was officially opened.
A special event at Wigan Infirmary saw relatives unveil a commemorative plaque at the Andrew Foster Endoscopy Unit, in front of guests, staff and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy.
Mr Foster served as chairman of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) from 1996 to 2001, before returning as chief executive from 2007 until 2019.
He was instrumental in WWL gaining foundation trust status in 2008 and made a significant contribution, not just to the trust, but Wigan borough, Greater Manchester and beyond.
He was focused on quality and staff engagement, with a particular desire to learn from the best hospitals in the world.
Under his leadership, WWL developed a significant reputation, winning many national awards.
The new facilities will provide quicker access to endoscopy procedures, meaning earlier diagnosis of conditions such as bowel cancer and ultimately better outcomes for patients, as well as an improved environment for both patients and staff.
A total of £14.5m has been invested in endoscopy services across Wigan and Leigh.
Chief executive Mary Fleming said: “This unit carries Andrew’s name, but it also carries his spirit, his values and his belief that the people of Wigan deserve the very best care we can give and having his family with us on this very special day makes this complete.
“For the people who work here, the building represents far more than bricks, equipment and clinical rooms. It represents Andrew’s determination, his kindness and absolute refusal to settle for ‘just good enough’. He knew how many lives could be changed by early diagnosis, quicker access and better facilities and I am so proud we have delivered what he fought so hard for.
“Naming this unit after Andrew is a privilege and an emotional moment. He was a boss, a leader, a mentor, a confidant, a friend and we miss him. His influence on the trust is woven into our culture, our decisions and our ambitions. My only sadness is that he isn’t here to see this moment for himself. This new unit is a place that will change lives, honour his legacy and continue the work that he cared so deeply about.”
Mr Foster’s wife Sara, speaking on behalf of her family, including children Grace, Anna and Thomas, said: “Andrew really, really cared about Wigan, Wigan hospitals and the NHS. Thank you for honoring him in this way, we’re so proud. We miss him terribly, but this is a wonderful recognition of his legacy, and I know he would have been immensely proud.”
Chief medical officer Prof Sanjay Arya said: “Andrew was born at Wigan hospital, served the trust as both chairman and chief executive, and spent his last days in the hospital he nurtured.
"He was wildly respected across the NHS for his compassionate leadership with a strong focus on patient safety and staff engagement and he gave his life-long commitment to the health service.
"He loved Wigan and put staff and patients at the heart of everything he did. His devotion to the local community was unparalleled. Today we pay tribute to the man, his legacy will remain forever.”