The University of Derby has awarded Pauline Latham OBE an Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv) in recognition of her outstanding achievements in public service. The award marks the close of a remarkable career in local and national politics. It also highlights her deep personal commitment to improving care for patients with aortic dissection across the UK and Ireland.
A Public Career of Impact and Change
Pauline began her career in public life as a City Councillor in 1992 and became Mayor of Derby in 2007. In 2010, she was elected the first Member of Parliament for Mid Derbyshire, a seat she held for 14 years until retiring in 2024. During her time in Parliament, Pauline was one of the few backbench MPs to successfully change the law. In 2022, her Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act became law, after five years of dedicated work. This Act protects children from arranged child marriages.
Transforming the Landscape for Aortic Dissection Patients
Pauline’s work in health began with personal tragedy. In 2018, her son Ben died at the age of 44 from an undiagnosed aortic dissection. He had been sent home from the emergency department with the wrong diagnosis. That experience became the foundation for a national movement. Pauline helped to establish The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust in 2020 and became one of its founding trustees. Her dedication has changed how the NHS views and treats aortic dissection.
She organised Westminster debates on aortic dissection and related conditions. She raised the issue directly with ministers at Prime Minister’s Questions and worked with the Department of Health and Social Care. She was instrumental in securing the £2.8 million EARNEST trial, which is now studying early repair strategies for Type B aortic dissection.
Pauline also influenced NHS England to develop the national service specification for Thoracic Aortic Dissection. She played a key role in shaping the NHS Specialised Cardiac Improvement Programme guide and toolkit. These changes are now being implemented across the NHS.
AD Awareness and Support
Pauline continues to raise awareness of aortic dissection on national television, radio and in the press. She led the charity’s first fundraising ball at Pride Park, honouring her son Ben. The event raised over £40,000. She also forges partnerships with corporate supporters and healthcare organisations to advance the charity’s mission.
Pauline’s honorary doctorate reflects her legacy in public life and health advocacy. Speaking at the ceremony, she said:
“I have loved being able to help people as a councillor and as an MP, and I’d really like to say thank you for giving me this degree today in the finale of my public career.”
Her work will have a lasting impact. Patients and families affected by aortic dissection will continue to benefit from her drive, her voice and her unwavering commitment to change.
