Francis James Browne

Browne was appointed professor at the University of London and the first full-time director of the newly established Obstetric Unit, opened by the Prince of Wales in 1926.

Browne established a modern labour ward service, with one senior sister in charge and improved antiseptic and aseptic techniques.

He qualified MB ChB, passing his finals in 1906 with 'highest honours' and distinctions in pathology, medical jurisprudence, and public health.

[4] The obstetric experience in Abertillery triggered a lasting interest in the subject, and led to the desire to specialize in this branch of medicine.

He was invited to join the Medical Research Council in 1921 and investigated, in collaboration with Dr WR Logan, the causes of abortion and intrauterine death.

He wrote on intranatal infection and pre-eclampsia and investigated the fetal age, length and weight of over 600 fetuses delivered at various stages of pregnancy.

Browne was appointed professor at the University of London and the first full-time director of the newly established Obstetric Unit, and held the post until his retirement in 1946.

He established a modern labour ward service, with one senior sister in charge and improved antiseptic and aseptic techniques.