Dr Fothergill was awarded her Phd in 1996 by the University of Westminster in recognition of her work "Telework: the Sociological Implications for Teleworkers & their Partners"

She is currently employed by the University of Wales College of Medicine as Course Director of the Mental Health branch of their Bachelor of Nursing Degree

Dr Fothergill qualified as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in 1985 with Canterbury & Thanet Health Authority, before specialising in Psychiatric Nursing at Guys hospital. She is also a Bachelor of Science gaining her degree in 1991 at Teeside Polytechnic.