Dr Nick Foster, a gentleman who was instrumental in the formation of EMICS recently passed away. We pause to remember our respected, dedicated, valued colleague and friend. Nick was a legend in GP-PHEM where he inspired, taught and mentored many in the East Midlands.

Leicestershire Live published a wonderful tribute in the days following his death, sections of which are shown below.

Dr Tim Gray, chairman of EMICS, said: “He was an amazing guy – a dentist who went on to do facial reconstruction and work as an anaesthetist before becoming a GP and training new doctors at Nottingham University. He was also a black belt in judo and in his time with EMICS responded to about 3,500 calls, including the Kegworth disaster.

He lived in Lockington just down the road from where the aeroplane crashed and was the first on the scene and able to help a lot of people. It’s a great loss, not just to his family but to the whole community. He was still working two days a week at the surgery in Kegworth and was very active in our organisation from when he joined as a founder member in 1985. I will really miss him greatly. He touched many lives.”

Dr Foster won two Queens Awards for his work with EMICS and was a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Friend Garth Lee, 80, of Thurnby near Leicester, worked as the Press Officer for EMICS after Dr Foster saved his daughter’s life. Garth said: “He was the first on the scene after my daughter, Sarah, was involved in a car crash in July 2004 and he pretty much saved her life. “Nick was there very quickly because it was just half a mile from his surgery. She had several broken bones and he sedated her at the scene. I read about EMICS in the Leicester Mercury and got in touch with Nick and that’s how I became their Press Officer. He was a lovely gentleman and always very enthusiastic about everything he did.”

Nick was an impressive human being and will be sadly missed by many.