THE ROYAL FREE ASSOCIATION (incorporating the Royal Free Old Students’ Association and Members of the School) Newsletter 2015 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It is with great pleasure that I write with the news that Dr along with the funds already available through other long- James Dooley has agreed to stand for the post of President standing charitable trusts, increasing the number of students this year. Pleasure, not because I have had enough, but who receive assistance in a more predictable and managed because James is well known to many of us as a teacher and way, and we would retain the ability to provide emergency colleague over more than 30 years. James has kindly agreed funding outside the annual application process as usual. to stand in place of Dimitri Mikhailidis, who is not able to fulfil the role at this time, and I am sure that you will support this In past years we have also donated £3500 per annum to nomination fully. UCL as a lump sum to go towards final year elective bursaries, but last year we were not asked to provide this funding for This year also brings the first annual meeting to be held some reason. Following dialogue with Administration at UCL on a Saturday and we hope that this will allow more Members this will be requested again by them annually. An Elective to attend and use the opportunity to catch up with friends. It Bursaries Committee meets in October to allocate funds to also coincides with the Triennial Dinner which we are holding students, and it is proposed that we make it a stipulation of at the Royal College of Surgeons once again. It is a great the grant that one of our Committee is invited to attend. I venue and I hope to see many of you there. would be grateful for your thoughts and opinions.
As you know, one of the aims of our Association is to Thank you for a very enjoyable term as President. I will provide financial assistance to students in need. In previous remain on the Executive Committee and would be pleased if years this has always been on request; however, in the you would consider joining us – we always appreciate new financial year 2014/2015 we were only asked to provide Members! I look forward to seeing many of you in November. one grant of £500. It is proposed that in future we advise UCL that we can provide up to £3000 per annum, possibly Philip Lodge as six individual grants of £500. These would have to be applied for in the usual manner. These can be requested
Inside This Issue
Page 2 The Programme for Saturday 21st November, 2015 Pages 3-5 Minutes of the AGM held on 20th November, 2014 Page 6 Finance
This and That: Pages 7-8 Internal Issues Pages 9-10 Royal Free Snapshots Pages 11-16 Members’ Contributions Pages 17-20 Reunions
Pages 21-26 Obituaries Page 27 Administrative Notes
Enclosures
Registration Form for Attendance (pink) Triennial Dinner Form (white) Membership Subscription Form (yellow) Stay in Touch Form (green)
Royal Free Association, UCL, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF Tel: 020 7830 2579 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/rfa
Page 1 THE PROGRAMME
Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday 21st November 2015 in the Sir William Wells Atrium, Ground Floor, Royal Free Hospital
10.00 am REGISTRATION AND COFFEE 12.30 pm REPORT ON UCL MEDICAL SCHOOL
Sir Williams Wells Atrium Speaker: Ground Floor, Royal Free Hospital Dr Will Coppola Divisional Tutor and Sub-Dean, UCL Senior Lecturer in Primary Care 10.30 am CLINICAL UPDATES – What’s New? 12.45 pm LUNCH • Dying NICEly- Dr Philip Lodge
• FGM – Miss Susan Tuck 2.15 pm THE PETER SCHEUER SYMPOSIUM
• Dyslipidaemias - Dr Dimitri Mikhailidis Chairman: Dr Philip Lodge • Orthopaedics – Mr Nimalan Maruthainar Consultant in Palliative Care
• Ebola Management in the High Level Speakers: Isolation Unit - Professor Michael Jacobs Dr Rosemary Radley-Smith “Medicine in a Different World” • Complementary Medicine – Mr Keith Hunt Dr Richard Nunn • Movement Disorders Research (Neurosciences “It’s a Doc’s Life – Early General Practice” at the Royal Free) - Professor Huw Morris Professor Waqar Qureshi 11.45 am ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Agenda “The Good Old Days”
1. Apologies for Absence 4.00 pm TEA 2. Recording of Deaths 3. Minutes of the last Meeting held on Thursday, 20th November 2014 5.00 pm TAXIS to the Royal College of Surgeons 4. Matters Arising 5. President’s Report 6. Elections 7.00 pm TRIENNIAL DINNER a. Election of new President Royal College of Surgeons, b. Election of Officers for 2015-2016 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, c. Election of new Members London WC2A 3PE 7. Finance a. Treasurer’s Report b. Bursaries c. Proposal on UCL Student Funding 8. Any Other Business 9. Date of next Annual Meeting
Page 2 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of the Royal Free Association held in the Sir William Wells Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG on Thursday, 20th November 2014
Present: Dr Philip Lodge in the Chair plus 69 Members of the Association, namely:
Lesley ASHWORTH (1961) John FERGUSON (1957) Carola MORAN (1964) Rosemarie BAILLOD (1961) Angela GALLOWAY (1978) Ann NAYLOR (1961) Maureen BARTLETT (1963) John GIBSON (1956) Peter O’GORMAN (Guest) John BEAVEN (1982) Margaret GHILCHIK (1961) Ruth ODELL (1947) Elizbieta BIEL (1961) James HARDIMAN (1964) Charlotte PAGE (1977) Jo BINGHAM (1980) Susan HILLS (1979) Margaret PAGE (1964) Paul BINGHAM (1980) David HORSMAN (1971) James PEARSON (1971) Linda BOOTH (1979) Ann HOWARD (1964) Anna RAKOWICZ (1962) Elizabeth BRADSHAW (1964) Peter HOWDEN (1983) Avery REZEK (1959) Richard BRUETON (1971) Mary HUGHES (1956) Jeremy RIDGE (1980) Alison BUCHANAN (1983) Patricia JONES (1964) Michael ROSSITER (1991) Helen CLARK (1964) Wendy KELSEY (1966) Elizabeth SALTER (1965) Wendy CLINE (1965) Susan LUCAS (1963) Sonia SASSOON (1977) Andrew CLYMO (1959) Pauline MANFIELD (1954) Louise SCHEUER (Member) David COHEN (1979) Mary MAGUIRE (1955) Tanya SHENNAN (Member) Colin COOPER (1959) James MASON (1973) Andrew SMITH (1993) Barbara CROFT (1959) Helen McBEATH (1976) William TAMPION (Member) Helen CROSSLEY (1961) Janet McBEATH (1971) Elsbeth TATE (1961) Anita DAVIES (1959) Neil McINTYRE (Member) Susan TAYLOR (1971) Robert (Paul) DAVIES (1973) Jean McKINNON (1961) Brenda THOMPSON (1961) Ewa DRAGOWSKA (1960) Fred MEYNEN (1964) Rosemary UNDERHILL (1961) Jennifer EDWARDS (1960) Jane MORRIS (1971) Pat WALMSLEY (1964) Ozgen FEIZI (1964) Renu MORRIS (1964) Anne WICKHAM (1965)
Philip Lodge welcomed everyone to the Meeting, and thanked those who had just led the morning’s Clinical Updates.
1. Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from 97 members as per the list on page 5.
2. Recording of Deaths The Chairman regretted to report the deaths of 24 members; many of whom had made outstanding contributions to medicine and the care of patients. He read out the names:
ALLEN, Roy T.J. (1960), BEARDWELL, N. Ann (1954), BRUETON, Louise A. (1984), BURROUGHS, Andrew K. (Member), CARVER, Paul H. (1964), CASSELLS, Irene M. (née McAndrew) (1952), CROWLEY, Margaret C. R. (née Moore) (1950), DUCKER, Daphne M. (née Downlen) (1948), GOODING, Dulcie G. (née Rawle) (1959), HAVARD, C. William H. (Member), LLEWELYN, Joan V. (née Macdonald) (1945), LOVE, Wendy E. (née Noble) (1954), LUCAS, Cynthia (Mrs Hassim) (1959), LUNN, Alexandrina (née Currie) (1943), MUSHIN, Anna (1947), OCKELFORD, Olwyn K. (née Thomas) (1949), RIDGE, Celia C. (Mrs Handel) (1963), RUGG- EASEY, Margaret L. (née Taylor) (1940), SAPPER, Helen (née Rubens) (1959), SEIF SAID, Vivian K. (née Jones) (1953), SERVICE, Gwendolyn F. (née Barber) (1940), VESEY, Susan M. (née Broadbent) (1954), WILSON, Margaret (née Davidson) (1958), WREN, Margaret (née Readman) (1945)
There followed a short silence.
Page 3 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Continued
3. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on included religious issues, weekend train services and the fact Thursday 21st November, 2013 that the Marsden Lecture would remain on the Thursday. However, it was agreed, by those present, to hold the The Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting had been meeting on a Saturday on a one-year trial basis. It was also circulated to all members via the Annual Newsletter and suggested that all Members should have the opportunity to copies were made available to those present. There were no vote, and it was agreed that this would be arranged. objections or questions and the Minutes were approved. Officers for 2014-2015
4. Matters Arising President: Philip Lodge/Dimitri Mikhailidis Vice-President: Richard Brueton Ward Names: Secretary: Wendy Kelsey Original ward names appeared inside each ward, and this Treasurer: Peter Howden would not change. Executive Committee: History Book: Neil McIntyre reported that his book of the history of Rosemarie Baillod Devaki Nair the Royal Free would no longer be supported by the Royal Alison Buchanan Susan Tuck Free Charity. Any profits would go to the Royal Free Library Bimbi Fernando Tanya Shennan and the London Metropolitan Archives, as they now hold the Royal Free Archives. 6. Financial Report
5. President’s Report Peter Howden had circulated the Accounts and confirmed that there was a total of £20,000 in thetwo Philip Lodge was pleased to announce that Dr Dimitri accounts. Generous donations had ensured that the RFA was Mikhailidis would take on the role of President from June kept afloat. 2015, following his retirement, and he was formally voted in Peter thanked all Members who had donated and who by those present at the meeting. Philip mused that he, as paid a subscription. This year 20 new subscriptions had been many others, remembered Dimitri as a scary tutor! set up. Philip would remain on the Executive Committee after £4,000 had been paid out by the Distress Fund and stepping down as President and Richard Brueton would £3,500 in Bursaries. Printing costs remained high, as the only remain the Vice-President. Alison Horton (who had joined the a third of Members had provided their email address for the Executive Committee the previous year) was introduced to records. Peter made a further plea for email addresses to be those present. Philip also welcomed David Evans, from the made available. Medial Library, as a new Member and announced that Tanya Peter announced that he would be looking into changing Shennan had been co-opted onto the Executive Committee. the current bank account system to a more convenient, Philip thanked Wendy Kelsey, Peter Howden and Tanya online banking system. This would eliminate, for example, Shennan for their hard work for the Association and re- the need for a 60 page statement being posted. iterated the plea for a volunteer to stand for the role of Secretary in order that Wendy could take her long-overdue retirement. 7. Any Other Business Traditionally, the RFA Clinical Day and AGM had been taking place on the third Thursday of each November to There was no other business. coincide with the Marsden Lecture. It was proposed by Philip Lodge, and seconded by Rosemary Baillod, that the day of the RFA Clinical Day and AGM should be moved to a Saturday 8. Date of Next Meeting with the aim of enabling more Members to attend. The day of the Triennial Dinner would also be moved accordingly. The next Annual General Meeting would be agreed Some discussion followed and a number of people spoke in following a vote by Members. support of the proposal. Some objections were raised, which
Page 4 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2014
ABEYESUNDERE, Rohini L. (1962) HARPUR, Jane (née Mathie) PAINTIN, Avril (née Reed) (1955) ADAMS, Maureen B. (Mrs Bruce- (1969) PEPERA, Theodore (1987) Murray) (1948) HEGARTY, Judith (née Chilton) PEPYS, Mark (Member) ADAMSON, Kenneth (1967) (1965) PLUMMER, Yvonne (1977) AHMAD, Sara (1982) HELSON, Edna (1958) PHILLIPS, Brian (1954) AMAKYE, Janet (1984) HENDERSON, Elizabeth (née Wheaton) (1953) REED, Nicholas (1976) BEERE, Deborah M. (1981) HENDERSON, Moira M. (née Cameron) RENDELL, Anne (1954) BELL, Eileen (1963) (1958) RIBBANS, Bill (1980) BERRY, R.J. (Sam) (Member) HENDERSON, David (1965) RICHMOND, Janis (1961) BICKERTON, Delia (1960) HOLDSWORTH, Dorothy RIDGWAY, Geoff (1971) BLATCH, Sheila (1958) (née Platts) (1961) ROSE, Flora (1948) BOUTELL, Kenneth (1960) HORNSBY, Patricia (1959) RUDWICK, Ann (née Hunter) BOXER, Josephine (1968) (1956) BROWNE, Doreen (1959) JAGO, Audrey (1951) BURGE, Sherwood (1969) JONES, Shirley P. (Mrs Fraser) SAGOE, Aba (1965) BUTLER, Eleanor (1963) (1959) SANDHU, Sarb (1991) SEYMOUR, Anne (1959) CARLSON, Jacqueline (1956) KEELING, Jean (1964) SHIEFF, Colin (Member) CLARKE, Malcolm (1965) KING, Isabel J. (née Halstead) SHIRLEY, Janet (née Clements) COHEN, David (1979) (1973) (1971) COOPER, Gisu (1988) KLUTH, David (1989) SLATTERY, Zoë (1948) COPE, Anna (1956) SMITH, Marilyn J (née Evans) (1963) LAQUEUR, Sylvia (1972) STANDBRIDGE, Cynthia (1961) DAWES, Patrick (1982) LEWIS, Adam (Member) STEANE, Patricia A. (1962) LINDUP, Rhona (1955) STERN, Dennis J. (1960) ETHERIDGE, Monica (1940) LISTON, Joyce (1975) EVANS, Rosemary (1969) LLEWELYN, Andrew (1980) THACKRAY, Jennifer (1994) EVERETT, V. Jill (1959) TOWNSEND, Catherine R. (Mrs Desty) EWAN, Gavin (1973) MacLEAN, Rhona (1951) (1959) MARSH, Marilyn (1956) THOMAS, A. Myfanwy (née Gray- FISHER, Derek (Member) McINTYRE, Waveney (1994) Jones) (1968) FISHER, Marie G. (1952) McCLAUGHLIN, James (Member) THOMAS, Michael (Member) FOLLEY, Jill (1956) MEANLEY, Deborah A. (formerly THORNLEY, Barbara (Mrs Webb) FOUND, Sally (1975) Doherty) (1965) (1966) FOX-MALE, Patsy (Mrs Ridgway) (1971) MEHTA, Asifa (1979) MIFSUD, Albert (1983) WALSHE, Margaret M. (1956) GORDON-WRIGHT, Hilary MITCHELL, Jean (1945) WATSON, Jane (1983) (née Burt) (1974) MUDDIMAN, Margaret (1973) WILSCHENSKI, Michael (1985) GRECH, Henri (1983) MURPHY, Margaret K. (1962) GREEN, Alain (1974) ZUCKERMAN, Arie J. (1957) GREEN, Mary (née Clarke) (1955) NICHOLS, Mary (née Bacon) (1982) GRIFFITHS, Margaret (née Gill) (1965) ODEKU, Jill (née Adcock) (1961) OSBORN, Marian (1955)
Page 5 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
for the year to 31st March, 2015
These accounts have kindly been prepared by Karen Hamilton, Head of Management Accounting, Royal Free Hospital.
INCOME EXPENDITURE Description £ Description £
Subscriptions 8,205.00 Medical School 500.00
Other Income 4,066.00 Printing & Stationery 5,713.00
Bank Interest 6.97 Postage 60.00
Publications 822.70
Hospitality 3,760.84
Total 12,277.97 Total 10,856.54
Profit/Loss for period 1,421.00
Brought forward funds 16,596.67
Carry forward funds 18,018.10
I certify that the above statement is a true and fair account of the finances of the Royal Free Association 31st March 2015.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Firstly, I would like to thank Karen Hamilton from the RFH Finance Department for auditing our accounts once again. As you can see we have a healthy bank balance starting the new financial year. We were not asked to make our usual contribution to the elective bursary fund, but this will resume in 2015/2016 (£3,500.00). Only one award of £500.00 was made to the student distress fund.
Thank you to the alumni who set up new standing orders during this financial year and special thanks to all those who kindly made donations. Could I please encourage those Members who do not pay an annual subscription to consider doing so this year? All the necessary details appear in the attached subscription form and appear below. Please ensure you use your name at qualification and the year you qualified. For the records, please drop me an e-mail to let me know when you set up a new standing order: [email protected]
Lloyds Bank (Hampstead Branch) Sort Code: 30-93-80 Account Number: 07162876
Thank you in anticipation! Peter Howden Treasurer, RFA Page 6 THIS AND THAT Internal Issues
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Again this year we are grateful for your support as shown by your continued subscriptions and your response to our ballot about the possible change of day of the Annual Meeting.
Please keep sending us your email addresses (both new and amended) for our database – these do help to keep our running costs down.
We have had a particularly successful and heart-warming year in reuniting some of our Members with friends both in and outside medicine, via email and our website. Lovely stories have included a couple reunited with the colleague who first introduced them to each other; a bride with a long-lost bridesmaid - both after more than 50 years! A 1942 graduate, whose wedding was attended by Sir Alexander Fleming, was delighted at the age of 97, to receive news of us via her son in Australia when we sent her some back copies of our Newsletter. A more recent 1968 graduate was able to send us copies of his collection of RFHSM’s “Free Comment “ (see pages 13-14), and - most amazingly - a 1937 graduate wrote, having just celebrated her 101st birthday, requesting we continue to send her our news!
We were also contacted by the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Charity, who will be marking 150 years since Elizabeth Garrett Anderson qualified as the first woman doctor in the UK. Professor Neil McIntyre will be speaking at their celebratory day in late September at the Royal Society of Medicine, and I have been invited to represent the Royal Free Association at the Dinner, which is being held at The Apothecaries.
Happy reunions are always a feature of our Annual Meeting - hopefully even more so this year with it being held at a weekend. It not only provides a forum for old friends and colleagues to catch up with each other, but also to learn of the latest successes and activities of their Royal Free contemporaries. We very much look forward to seeing many of you in November.
Wendy Kelsey Secretary, RFA
ROYAL FREE CUFFLINKS
Our very popular Royal Free cufflinks are still available for purchase. Price: £15 per pair (incl.P&P).
To order, please contact Wendy Kelsey at: [email protected]
Or write to: 7 Butterworth Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0BJ
The cufflinks will also be on sale at the Clinical Day in November.
Page 7 THIS AND THAT Internal Issues
TRIENNIAL DINNER
2015 is the year of our Triennial Dinner, which will be held on Saturday 21st November at 7.00 pm, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
The Dinner will be a Black Tie event and tickets cost £85.00 each. The closing date for the purchase of tickets is 7th November. All ticket applications should be made on the attached white form and sent to Peter Howden (full details are on the attached form).
Transport. We will be on hand to order taxis for Members to travel from the Royal Free to the RCS after the meeting from 5pm onwards. Prices will be £18.50 for one car (4 passengers), or £25.00 for a 7 seater (6 passengers) (prices correct at time of going to press).
Changing facilities are available in the washrooms at the Royal College of Surgeons, and luggage can be stored in the Committee Room adjacent to our reception drinks’ area.
Accommodation. You may be interested to note that overnight accommodation on the 21st November is also available at the RCS. Room charges are listed below. Please telephone Reception to book well in advance, on: Tel: 020 7869 6700
N0n-Fellow College Rates (Weekend Special – Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Single Room with En-Suite Facilities = £90.00 Double/Twin Room with En-Suite Facilities = £115.00 Park View College Flat = £135.00 Harry Platt Suite = £155.00
Additional Sleepers
Over 16 years = £30.00 Under 16 years = £10.00
THE MARSDEN LECTURE
The Marsden Lecture will be held this on Thursday 19th November at 5pm in the Sir William Wells Atrium, Royal Free Hospital. Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, has been invited to speak at this event with further details yet to be confirmed. Further updates will be posted on the Royal Free Association website nearer the time
www.royalfree.nhs.uk/rfa
Members of the Royal Free Association are, of course, all invited to attend.
Page 8 THIS AND THAT Snapshots from the Past
Page 9 THIS AND THAT Snapshots from 2014
Prof Tony Schapira gives us a vision of the future for the Royal Free
Current medical student talks to the meeting about his student elective
Members of the Executive Committee making executive decisions
Medical research remains prominent
Our Secretary and Treasurer hard at work
A wonderful way to end the day – good food, drink and company at the Informal Dinner
Our Audience – all VIPs!
Page 10 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
UNEXPECTED ROYAL FREE HISTORY: on a Wall in Whitehaven
An article co-authored by Dr Gavin Ewan, retired GP (first part) and Dr Stephen Pollock, retired Consultant Neurologist (second part), both Royal Free students who graduated 1973-74
Retirement for busy doctors can be a challenge. More so because we will all in our individual ways have counselled patients about ‘filling that space’, ‘time management’ whatever. I have always enjoyed journeys, not just the event, but the pre-amble and planning, and afterwards writing a journal to read on dull wintry days by the fireside. Thus, I took up the Coast to Coast cycle challenge – easy really if you are a regular to wheels; for me, the plan was four overnight stops, breaking the 140 miles into nice manageable chunks. The route is from Whitehaven to Tynemouth though there are variants. The most moving encounter was meeting Lucy and her husband near the finish, when she shared that she had metastatic breast cancer and was cycling the 170 mile Hadrian’s Cycleway as a challenge and therapy. I had mentioned my medical background over a coffee, and she opened up. Returning to the beginning, I was walking the streets of Whitehaven the evening before the start, when I came across the purple plaque shown in the accompanying photograph, the last thing I expected to see was Royal Free on a wall. And so, later while crewing his yacht for my former fellow medical student (and nautical Captain) Dr Stephen Pollock, I mentioned this plaque which led to an interesting coincidental link! Over to you Steve .....
My mother, Dr Esther Mary Pollock, MD FRCOG was, for many years, a stalwart of the Obstetric and Gynaecology Department at the Royal Free Hospital with a special interest in fertility and its control, as well as editing the Family Planning Journal. Her MD was on the Lippes Loop, an IUCD which she played a part in introducing. Her younger sister, Betty was married to a missionary who worked in Calcutta. When I was a medical student at the Royal Free (1968-73), Betty arranged through the Methodist Missionary Society for me to do my elective in the Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore near Madras where I learnt more medicine in 6 weeks than I had in the previous year. I spent most of the time in the Obstetric Department where, amongst other things, I was taught to do post-natal sterilisations by ligating the fallopian tubes and treat tetanus caused by women attempting to induce miscarriages. After three weeks I was effectively a junior member of staff.
I will always feel grateful to the Methodist Missionary Society for the opportunities they encouraged in a young medical student and the example they set. The experience I gained resulted in convincing me that I wanted to be a hospital clinician and I returned to the Royal Free, first as an SHO in Pathology 1975-76 and then as a registrar in Neurology in 1978-80 with PK Thomas, John Newsom-Davis and Peter Harvey, ending up as Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Director of Neurology in King’s College Hospital and Consultant Neurologist in Canterbury.
Page 11 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – PROFESSOR TEN FEIZI
I am pleased to announce that my sister, Professor Ten Feizi (1961 graduate), has been presented with a Life Achievement Award. Ten is a pioneer of glycobiology, which looks at the biological roles of sugar chains, or glycans. A more detailed article on her work and achievements can be found here:
http://www.glycobiology.org/winner-2014-rosalind.php
Ozgen Feizi (1964)
“HOW BRITISH WOMEN BECAME DOCTORS: THE STORY OF THE ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL AND ITS MEDICAL SCHOOL” by Neil McIntyre
Prices are: £18 for the paperback version; £25 for the hardback.
Please add Postage and Packing per copy:
•Within the U.K. = £5.55 •For Europe = £12.70 •For Zone 1 (The Americas, Africa, Middle East, Asia) = £20.00 •For Zone 2 (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore = £21.05
Payment by:
1. Personal cheque made out to Neil McIntyre Royal Free Book A/C and sent to him at: 7 Butterworth Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0BJ.
2. Electronic transfer to the above account quoting sort code 20-52-74 and A/C no. 83552624.
3. Via PayPal to [email protected]
Please send your order, and the address to where your purchase should be sent, together with your payment.
Please Note: Books will only be sent after payment is received. Signed copies of the book will be available to buy directly on the day of the Royal Free Association AGM and Clinical Meeting at the Royal Free on Saturday 21st November, 2015. Any profit made from the book will go to the Royal Free Library and the London Metropolitan Archives (which now hold the Royal Free Archives) to allow documents relating to the Free’s history to be preserved, repaired and promoted.
Page 12 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
“FREE COMMENT” You can see all the issues of Free Comment and photos on our website:
https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/rfa
I am Robert Wilkins and I went to The Royal Free in 1961-1966. In 1994 I suffered a stroke so my vocabulary is a bit fractured, but the brain cells are about 90% there!!
In the Royal Free Medical School in Hunter Street, Bloomsbury, Steve Harris, a Graduate of Chemistry, was the Editor of a newspaper, Free Comment – the first copy was the 17 October 1963, Volume 1, Number 1, Price 1d !! This paper aired the news and views of the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine students. When Steve Harris left, the Editors were myself, Graham Worrall, Basil King, Andrew Higgins, David Widgery, Chris White, Carol Hopkins, and Steve Wilson.
I have copies of the Free Comment in the garage and Dr Ricky Lee suggested that I should publicise it in The Royal Free Association Newsletter to the Old Students, of particular interest to students of the 1960s. Free Comment was published on Thursday every fortnight. Some interesting snippets from various copies follow:
• Steve declares: “Here’s the first edition of a new genus of Free Comment. Others in the past have produced a regular news sheet of the same name, but sadly the publication has lapsed. So, with a feeling that a newspaper of some sort is a vital link and mouthpieces for all members of the School, we present a fresh attempt to produce you with a means of expressing your ideas and publicising events of interest.” • Joan Trowell, President of the Medical Students, said the ‘opportunities for airing current student topics and passing on items of college news’, also ‘we are trying to tell as many people as possible of the Union DINNER DANCE on 22nd November [1963] at the Strand Palace Hotel. Double ticket, 4 guineas [£4-4s-0d]’. • And next the Freshers’ Day at Myddleton House, Enfield: ‘The only real fault that could be found with the event was the weather, and even the steady downpour did not deter the intrepid sportsmen and women from taking the field (or bog) … Messrs. Quinn, Gale, Simpson and Tranmer are to be congratulated for their successful battle against the weather and unreliable transport.’
Dear Sir, After my first week of clinical introductory course, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that it is not badly-organised or boring, as people had told me it would be … My only complaint is of a certain vagueness on the part of some of the doctors who are supposed to give us tutorials. Yours sincerely, Jane Soames
• TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! … the post is contested by David Trash and Janet Anderson [1963]; • ‘In recent years the Wind of Change has been blowing around the most unexpected of places – The Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine for Women is no longer the institution it was. The proportion of males intake has been steadily increasing and is now 50/50, which ratio will remain … very nice compromise.’ [Editorial, 1963]; • THE PRE-CLINICAL CHRISTMAS SHOW: Julia (Cotter) and Virginia (Hall), nymph-like flittering across the stage and yearning so delightfully for ‘a hunk of man’ … Richard Lee gave a masterly performance of a Macmillan speech in anglicised French … [December 1963]; • THE CLINICALS COMPLAIN … ‘Inadequate, inaccessible, dirty … ‘ [1964]; • LINDA – 3rd MOST BEAUTIFUL IN UNIVERSITY! Linda Allen, elected Miss Royal Free, was pronounced the third most beautiful girl in London University … [1964];
Page 13 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
Dear Sir, I would like to echo the views of the President, Miss Janet Anderson, when she wrote in support of the idea of a Staff/Student Party at the end of a post. Yours faithfully, Adrian J. Allaway, Barbara A. Thornley & Wendy A. Kelsey
• BRIGHTON STROLL – RESULTS. Official Results – Royal Free 7th overall and 11th in the women’s section … [1964]; • FREE OPT OUT!! STUDENT LOANS? DANCE SUCCESS [Vol. 2 No. 3]; • ROYAL FREE WIN CUP! … T. Meanley, P. McLoughlin, O. Jones, S. Burge and A. Gaynor, with help from Prof. and Mrs. Lawson, Prof. Dowman and Mr. Qvist, husband of the Dean, Frances Gardner [Vol. 2 No. 7]; • The Royal Free Dramatic Society of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ with Mr S. Ungar and Miss R. Setterfield, directed by Miss R. Dorricott. ‘Profit: just in excess of £60!!’[Vol. 2 No. 9];
Dear Sir, At the Library Committee meeting it was reported that 5 books had been stolen from the GIR Quietroom and 2 from the Lawn Road Common Room …. Robert Gale
• EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING OF SCHOOL COUNCIL. Hut in quadrangle [1966]; • THE NEW COMMON ROOM AT GRAYS INN ROAD [1966]; • SURVEY ON THE MURAL IN THE NEW COMMON ROOM [1966]; • ‘The Journal is late. The Journal is boring. There are still 400 copies of the Journal in brown paper in the Union Room.’ [1966]; • ‘It was been revealed that the School may sell Myddelton House!’ [1967]; • WHY BOTHER WITH WARS. A VERY PERSONAL REACTION TO THE RESTARING OF THE AMERICAN BOMBING OF NORTH VIETNAM. David Widgery [1967]; • MEDICAL EDUCATION: THE LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL FREE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO LORD TODD [1967].
Dear Sir, Hundreds of used plastic drinking mugs had been left strewn around all over the room. A great minority had taken the trouble to dispose them in the bins provided which were virtually empty! Is this disgusting state of affairs to continue? P.J. Say
• Then ‘MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT’; ‘STOP POPULATION NOW!!’ by David Jeffs – ‘VIETNAM’ by Michael Leach – ‘PROBLEMS OF LIMBLESS CHILDREN’ by Alison Viney – WHILE THERE’S LIFE by D. Marsh; and stories like ‘SAMUEL’S SAGA’ by Se-Be and ‘THE ETERNAL QUADRANGLE’ by J.L.Bart; • Jennifer’s Diary; films like The Americanization of Emily with Julie Andrews and James Garner. Reviewed by A. Gent; London and the Pubs; Rugby, Swimming & Athletics; Cartoons & Jokes; Gastronomy; ‘Born, Engagements and Married’; and NEW COLOUR SUPPLEMENT …
Dear Editor, After ten months of the clinical course I feel bored, frustrated and disillusioned … Michael Leach
• In the file of ‘photographsin1965’, a few students and the staff of the Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry – ‘What are their names?’
25 May 1967 - Dear Sir, I think you are running a splendid paper. Yours ever, Harold Wilson.
Robert Wilkins (1966 graduate) [email protected]
Page 14 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
ROYAL FREE DISEASE, SIXTY YEARS ON Summary of talk given at the Royal Free Association meeting, 20th November 2014
On 25th July 1955, the Royal Free Hospital closed its Our informants told us that initial symptoms and signs doors and remained closed until 5th October. The hospital of the illness varied, but included fatigue, drowsiness, severe had been struck by an obscure infectious disease, which headache, sore throat, vomiting, muscle pain, enlarged became known as Royal Free disease. In total, 292 members posterior cervical glands and a low grade fever. After a few of the 3,500 medical, nursing and ancillary staff and 22 days, symptoms often worsened with severe pain, muscle patients were affected. In 1956, an article in the Lancet re- weakness and sometimes paralysis. Symptom severity ranged named the disease benign myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). from mild to severe. Secondary cases developed the disease In 1984, another epidemic of a clinically similar disease, in after an incubation period of a few days. Most nurses nursing Nevada, USA was named chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). the patients did not develop the disease, but the records of Since 1934, 62 epidemics of a similar disease have been the hospital consultants, showed that the attack rate was described globally. Sporadic cases of the disease occur 19% in nurses and 8.3% overall. Only 22 hospital inpatients with an estimated prevalence of 2-4 per thousand of the developed the disease. Tests showed that many patients had population. The disease may be called ME or CFS, and ME/ a low white cell count and some had atypical lymphocytes, CFS is the currently favoured acronym. but Paul Bunnell tests were negative. The cerebro-spinal fluid findings were normal, distinguishing the disease from polio. Some 15 years after the outbreak, a paper in the BMJ Treatment was mainly supportive, and included insistence suggested that mass hysteria was the likely cause. The on complete bed rest, while symptoms lasted for severe authors examined the records of some selected patients cases and convalescence for the same period of time as the who were mostly nurses. They did not interview any duration of symptoms. Too early activity always precipitated patients, some of whom were still suffering ill effects from a relapse. the outbreak. They ignored or dismissed signs of infection and a multitude of neurological signs. Because, in their Recovery took from a few days or weeks to several selected cases, the illness was mostly in young women and months. Some patients with paralyses and some with several no pathogen had been found, they diagnosed the outbreak bizarre symptoms were still in the hospital 6 months after as mass hysteria. The hysteria hypothesis persists to this day, the onset of the epidemic. Some of these patients gradually in spite of the many well-documented pathological changes got better and were discharged. A few with persisting found in patients’ immune systems, mitochondrial function, paralysis were transferred to a rehabilitation unit. Sadly, autonomic nervous systems, brains and genomes. one patient committed suicide. Although many of the staff recovered enough to return to work, many continued to feel In 1955, the Royal Free hospital group consisted of 5 ill or fatigued for at least a year. We had reports of several hospitals and the medical school. Staff from all the hospitals patients known to our informants, who had various pareses became ill. We, the authors, were medical students at the that had persisted long- term, including: weakness of one time. We thought that after 58 years, it would be instructive leg which required an arthrodesis of the knee and ankle; to find out what happened during the outbreak and weakness of one hand; foot drop; wasting of both hypothenar discover any long-term after effects of the disease. We put eminences; and ptosis. Of the six patients known to us, a statement in the Royal Free Association newsletter and who had recovered from Royal Free disease, four reported the Royal Free Hospital Nurses League magazine asking recent illnesses which included two with Parkinson’s disease, anyone who was present during the epidemic to contact us. one with heart disease, and one had multiple mini strokes. Twenty seven people replied, 6 had suffered from Royal Free Another patient had had Hodgkin’s disease. disease, 2 had had a short lived illness which was thought to be abortive Royal Free disease and 19 had remained healthy. At the time, the hospital staff, were baffled about the In 1955, 11 were medical students, 10 doctors, 5 nurses and 1, diagnosis. Initially the disease was thought to be related to a physiotherapist. polio, but the clinical picture was very different and cerebro-
Page 15 THIS AND THAT Members’ Contributions
spinal fluid tests were normal. Glandular fever was considered, and around London and attended clinics and teaching rounds but Paul Bunnel tests were negative. Hysteria was discussed and much enjoyed the experience. Some students were sent but rejected because the disease was very clearly infectious. away on holiday and some went home to revise for exams. In However, hospital staff were understandably anxious about spite of the interruption in their studies, the healthy medical getting the illness and as there was no test for it, some students managed to qualify on time. patients were thought to be neurotic, or have exaggerated their symptoms, and some people believed that the disease What did we learn from this study? The evidence of those was psychiatric or not a real illness. who actually experienced the epidemic showed that Royal Free disease was not “mass hysteria” but was an infectious How did the Royal Free hospital cope with an explosive disease. Mass hysteria does not result in a paresis, persisting epidemic of a highly infectious obscure illness, which had for 60 years. Because sporadic ME/CFS can be life-long, we not been described in the medical text books? “The people wondered whether some Royal Free disease patients might running the hospital did not know what had hit them”. The still be suffering from symptoms of ME/CFS, but if so, they first doctor to get ill was sent to the private wing ofone did not contact us. We learnt that ME is spread by casual of the smaller hospitals in the group. No infectious disease contact and the incubation period is a few days. Although precautions were taken and a nurse said she caught the only a minority of those exposed, develop the disease, the disease from him. Later on, staff who felt unwell were told closer the contact with the patient, the more is the risk. to report to the resident medical officer for the infectious Symptoms and severity are very variable, diagnosis is difficult diseases department. The RMO examined them and felt and recovery can take weeks, months or years. There may for enlarged cervical nodes. If the nodes were palpable or be permanent muscle weakness. Exposed people who are there was doubt about the diagnosis, the patient was sent resting (e.g., the hospital inpatients) are much less likely to to for further assessment. In the third week of the epidemic, develop symptoms and as complete rest as possible is the all the hospitals were closed to new admissions due to lack best therapeutic measure. It is important for patients to of healthy medical and nursing staff and in an attempt at have a period of convalescence to avoid recurrences. Fear isolation. Following the closing of the hospitals, most of the of contracting the illness in some individuals can lead to existing inpatients stayed, but the obstetrics and gynecology difficulties in assessing their symptoms and may result in a wards were cleared in order to admit patients with the diagnosis of hysteria. Suggestions were made for future epidemic illness. Two of the hospitals remained closed until research. early October.
Pre-clinical students in the medical school did not develop Rosemary Underhill the disease, but several clinical students became ill. Healthy Rosemary Baillod clinical medical students were sent to various hospitals in
References:
(1) The medical staff of the Royal Free Hospital. An outbreak of encephalomyelitis in the Royal Free hospital group, London, in 1955. BMJ 1957; 895-904. (2) Crowley N, Nelsom M, Stovin S. Epidemiological aspects of an outbreak of encephalomyelitis at the Royal free hospital in the summer of 1955. J of Hygene (Cambridge) 1957; 55: 102-122. (3) Leading article, The Lancet 1956; 1:789-790. (4) McEvedy CP, Beard BM. Royal Free Epidemic of 1955: A Reconsideration. BMJ 1970; 1:7-11.
Page 16 THIS AND THAT Reunions
1955 Graduates
Calling all graduates of 1955 - 60 years on! Is there any mileage for us trying to meet this Autumn in London, in September or October? I could come for the day from the Lake District to Euston so meeting at an easy venue such as the British Library or the British Museum or even Gunters for lunch or tea (do you remember it is where we had the Royal Free Ball in 1953!!). Caroline, Ann Bence, May Maguire, Rosemary Dart and others come to mind, but some may be out of reach. With very best wishes, Barbara Tonge (formerly Marston) My current e-mail is the way to find me:[email protected]
1958 Graduates
Meet for coffee in John Lewis, Cambridge between 11-11.30am on Monday 21st September, 2015. Next step will be weather-dependent!
For details, contact Pat Last [email protected]
1965 Graduates
50th ANNIVERSARY REUNION BANQUET
Saturday 21st November, 2015 at 6.30pm Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street, London, W1G 9LQ
Please contact Malcolm Clarke, 07789-681527 E-mail: [email protected]
1976/1977 Graduates
We are planning a 40 years’ reunion for those qualifying in the year 1976/77, to be held in November 2016. Please let us have your current contact details including an email address. We are looking for a venue that will encompass afternoon tea, dinner, an overnight stay plus breakfast the following morning. Also it would be useful to know if a Sunday or weekday night would be acceptable for the reunion. This would keep costs down. Looking forward to meeting up again! Irene Weinreb [email protected] and John Wilson [email protected]
Page 17 THIS AND THAT Reunions
1979 Graduates
The 36th reunion of 1979 Royal Free graduates is being held over the weekend of 14-15 November, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand. A formal dinner, wine tasting and jet boating are all on the agenda! To join us, please contact Helen Mitchell: [email protected] or Marion Sephton: [email protected]
1980 Graduates
I am organising a reunion for the graduates of 1980 on Saturday 3rd October 2015, in my garden (address below). This will take the form of: 1pm - meet in pub in our village (100 yards from our house) 3pm - Tea and cakes in Marque in our garden 7 pm - dinner in Marque (it’s heated!!) (and veggie alternative) Total cost is £65 pp for the afternoon tea, evening event including wine and soft drinks. Lunch paid individually at the pub. Any profit (if any!!) will be donated to a charity of choice.
I have already E-mailed those I have details for, but if I have missed you, please contact me! Martin Waldron Beech House, 5 Wentworth Court, Station Road, Harlington, Beds LU56HZ Tel: 01525 872266 Mob: 07768 960782 [email protected]
1982 Graduates
A reunion for 1982 class will be held on 12th September, 2015 in Bath. To receive more details, please e-mail: Rebecca Hobbs [email protected]
1990 Graduates
Our 25 year reunion will fall into 2016! Join us on 23rd January, 2016 At the Norton Park Hotel, Winchester. Contacts: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
Is anyone willing to organise a reunion for 1951 Graduates or 1973 Graduates? If so, please get in touch with me for names of people already interested, and a list of contact details for your year. Tanya ([email protected])
Page 18 THIS AND THAT Reunion Write-Ups
1969 Qualifiers
After 45 years the warm glow of deep affection we feel towards each other has grown. This is always evident at these five-yearly gatherings. Our reunion was held in Yorkshire, at The Black Swan in the delightful village of Helmsley, 25 - 27th September, 2014. The sound of excited chatter was heard wherever we gathered to catch up to old friends. Many had travelled from around the UK, but there were some from other continents.
Everyone had so much to share about the years since 1969. The challenges of our student days become transformed as we look back over the passing years. Those who purchased a copy of “How British Women Became Doctors” by Neil McIntyre will have enjoyed the stories about our old sports grounds at Myddleton House, where we spent many happy afternoons playing various sports, and some will remember rowing at Chiswick.
Jane Richardson kindly organised a visit to Scampston Hall with a personal guided tour around the interior. The grounds and gardens were beautiful. That evening the Reunion Dinner was held in the hotel. The staff looked after us so well that I am sure many of us will be returning.
On the final morning we assembled at York Minster to meet one of the knowledgeable guides before everyone went their several ways. It is always sad to say farewell to our Royal Free “family” after these reunions. However, after such a memorable reunion the excitement did not die down and there are proposals for a grand 50th reunion, possibly in Wales.
Sandra E Hartman (nee Goodey)
The 1969 graduates having a wonderful reunion in Helmsley, Yorkshire last autumn, and all looking forward to the next one to be held 2019, probably in Wales.
Page 19 THIS AND THAT Reunion Write-Ups
1975 Qualifiers
The 40th reunion of the year of 1975 was a wonderful and very happy occasion and it seems that a good time was had by all. 62 of us turned up with 97 in total, including friends from Australia, Canada, the US, New Zealand, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya and S. Africa. We planned it as a 2 day event as it was 20 years since we had all met. It was like a party game to start with, trying to guess who some people were. Gone were afro hairstyles, perms, some hair gone altogether and there were quite a lot of different colours, particularly on the ladies! To compensate there was some increased facial hair ... on the gents!
We met at Shendish Manor Hotel near King’s Langley, with drinks outside followed by an informal dinner on the Friday. 3 people came to the dinner who couldn’t be there on the Saturday, but as everyone was still catching up on Sunday perhaps 3 days would have been even better. During the day on Saturday, people played golf, went for a walk along the canal, or visited Hughendon or Waddesdon or Bletchley Park. We were all back by tea-time and the foyer of the hotel became a glorious welcome area, and more guessing games, for all those arriving for the dinner, not present on the Friday. Over pre-prandial drinks there were photos in the garden followed by a very good meal, after which many gathered in the foyer again to continue their reminiscing. By Saturday morning, it had already been proposed that the next reunion should be in 5 years, not 10, let alone 20. Several people had never been to a reunion before and were a little daunted by the prospect, but there were no regrets afterwards.
Roll on 2020! We underestimated the number which might attend and so asked for larger than needed deposits, which enabled us all to have a group photograph out of the funds and we were able to make a donation of £400 to the Royal Free Hospital Students’ Association. Maggie Marshall
Our Committee of 5 was chaired by Sam Coulter, who did the lion’s share of the work.
From left to right: Chris Thorogood, Anne Zachary, Sam Coulter, Maggi Marshall, Cameron Ayres.
Page 20 OBITUARIES
C. William H. Harvard 1925 - 2014
Dr Cyril William Holmes Havard MA, DM (Oxon), FRCP (Lond) blamed his first name on the Bishop who christened him in 1925. William or Bill was always his usual name, but his insightful parents realised that the initials WC could cause problems at school. Both his parents were special in their own ways. His Mother Aimee was English and came from an entrepreneurial family of tin-platers in Llanelli. As a very young woman she was one of the first ever female drivers for the Ministry of Munitions in the Great War. In her later years she had a speedboat and took to flying lessons in her 70s. His Father was born to Welsh farming stock in Brecon and was actually the second William Thomas Havard as his older brother had died in childhood like other siblings. He went into the Church and served in France during the Great War “Three generations of Royal Free doctors” as a chaplain which he never talked about. He did however William, John and Lucy earn a Military Cross. He went to Jesus College, Oxford and served in several Parishes in Welsh-speaking parts of Wales and then in Battersea, London. He managed to fit in a little Carol Brayne who is Professor of Public Health Medicine sport and captained Llanelli for many years and was the only at Cambridge and has pioneered the study of dementia Vicar to have earned a Welsh cap in the days when Wales won wrote in the BMJ last June about the people who had most all their matches. He became Bishop of St Asaph and finally influenced her ‘Bill Havard, an inspiring general physician, Bishop of St David’s where he christened his first grandson and so kind to juniors.’ I am not sure they would all agree Mark before his death in 1956. with that because he refused to use a Royal Free lift and dragged his firm up and down all the 12 floors if necessary. Bill went to school at Marlborough College where he The juniors presenting the patients did not so much struggle learned to play the organ. He used to love playing and often for words as breath! took the opportunity where his Father was preaching. He frequently got carried away with Organ Voluntaries much He wrote Current Medical Treatment in 1965 that had five to the disadvantage of the poor verger who used to have to editions until 1983. Lectures in Medicine was first published in operate the manual pump! He joined the Navy after Higher 1967, and Frontiers in Medicine was published in 1973. He also School certificate in 1943 and, after pre-commissioning wrote two editions of Laboratory Investigations of Endocrine training in Oxford, was posted as a Midshipman to the anti- Disorders in 1979 and 1983 and was Editor of Blacks Medical submarine training flotilla based in Campbelltown. He later Dictionary from 1987 until 1990. He also was on the Editorial served on a coal fired mine-sweeper and had the honour of Board of Hospital Medicine and Vice-Dean of the Royal Free ‘beaching’ it at Milford Haven at the end of the war. Nothing Hospital School of Medicine from 1980 until 1983. He had technical here but this simply means full steam ahead up the a keen interest in Endocrinology and was Chairman of the beach at high tide! European Thyroid Club and in charge of the Endocrine Clinic at the Royal Free. While a Consultant Physician at the Royal He went to University at Christ Church, Oxford and then Northern he also directed the Clinical Pharmacology Unit down here to Barts for his clinical studies. He also had a love from 1966 to 1990. He used to examine for the University of Rugby and captained the Bart’s first team. He married in of London and the Royal College of Physicians and was a The Priory Church of St. Bartholomew the Great in 1955 where College Censor from 1983 – 1985. his funeral was held on 21st November 2014. He became the Clinical Tutor at Bart’s prior to Consultant appointments at He had four children Mark, John, Sukie and Mary and had the Royal Free and Royal Northern Hospitals. eight grandchildren. The family used to holiday in Gwbert, Wales almost every year for over half a century initially at
Page 21 OBITUARIES
the retirement home bought by the Bishop and latterly at like a glass of chilled Sancerre and when the water jug was the Cliff Hotel. Over the last decade there used to be three passed round he would always proudly declare that he ‘never generations holidaying together in Gwbert which he loved. touched the stuff’. He was there only six weeks ago with some of the family for the last time. He taught all his children to drive from about He re-married Lydia in 1980 and developed a close the age of 11 on quiet Welsh lanes and Oakdene School relationship with her son Rob. His health had declined over Lacrosse pitches. recent years and he had needed round the clock care at home from a devoted Lucia but kept a twinkle in his eye until One quality I really want to mention was his humour. He the end. He died peacefully at the Royal Free at the age of 89, was not one for long jokes – more one liners. He used to of septicaemia secondary to SBE. comfort me about my hair loss by saying ‘grass never grows on a busy road’ – but we both knew well that there has not John Havard been much intellectual traffic over my cerebrum! He used to
John Hopewell 1920 – 2015
Mr John Hopewell, a renal Consultant who oversaw the introduction of dialysis and transplantation at the Royal Free Hospital, has died aged 94. Mr Hopewell was appointed as a Consultant Surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital in 1957 with the intention of developing a department of urological surgery. He had a particular interest in the possibility of treating end-stage renal failure by the emerging techniques of haemodialysis and renal transplantation. By 1958 patients were being dialysed and in 1960 Mr Hopewell performed the first live donor kidney transplant using chemical immunosuppression alone in the UK.
Professor Stephen Powis, Medical Director, said: “John was instrumental in setting up services at the Royal Free Hospital for patients with kidney failure. In the late 1950s he undertook pioneering work in renal transplantation with Roy In his memoirs featured on the British Transplantation Calne, a junior surgeon working with him. Following this Roy, Society website, John wrote: “Before 1960 there was virtually now Sir Roy, went on to develop many of the techniques no treatment for the common problem of end-stage renal and drugs used in modern day transplantation. John was failure in the UK. By 1970 every region had a unit capable of passionate about the Royal Free Hospital and when I started treating it by haemodialysis and transplantation, which have work here in 1997, although already retired, he was one of continued as complementary treatments to the present time. the first to welcome me.” This development, a notable and rapid advance in clinical practice, deserves historical record.” On his retirement in Today the Royal Free London has around 700 patients 1986 he was appointed as an Honorary Consultant in Urology on haemodialysis. Advances in treatment have led to longer at the Royal Free Hospital. lifespans and a much better quality of life. The average lifespan for patients on dialysis is now 20-30 years but some https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news/tribute-to- people have been on dialysis for more than 30 years. groundbreaking-doctor/
Page 22 OBITUARIES
Dr Eleanor Herrin 1915 - 2014
Dr Eleanor Herrin who was part of Oxford’s first all- As a GP she particularly enjoyed looking after families, women medical practice died aged 99 on 22 October 2014. In often three generations of the same household, as well 1947 she joined the famous Trinity College consulting rooms as those who worked on the barges that used the Oxford at 53 Broad Street, alongside founders Victoria Smallpeice canal, and students at Oxford University. She was keenly and Mary Fraser, and the team joined the National Health aware of young women’s needs and went out of her way Service (NHS) on the day it was founded in 1948. The practice, to assist their own control of fertility. She served so long it is believed, could have been the first run by women in the as Health Inspector at Marks and Spencer’s store in central country. It was the precursor to the original Jericho Health Oxford and looked after the female employees that on her Centre in Walton Street, Oxford, to which then Senator retirement they presented her with a gold watch. Her days Edward Kennedy, youngest brother of President John F. were dominated by clinics and then home visits (so few Kennedy, paid a visit and was taken on a tour by Dr Herrin people had cars!) and one weekend in every month she was herself. Dr Herrin continued to work as a GP for the rest of on call at weekends (the phone would ring and she would her career, holding daily clinics in her home at 206 and later say “That’s any one of the thousands I’m looking after”). She 255 Woodstock Road, Oxford, as well as at Jericho Health was devoted to the ‘mother and baby’ clinics held in quite Centre. remote villages where basic health training and inoculations were given. She became secretary and then president of the Eleanor Joy Burchardt was born on January 26, 1915, local GP association and went to the College of GPs annual in Caversfield, near Bicester, to parents Ernest and Viola. meetings. As new treatments and surgical interventions She was the fifth of seven children, three brothers and became more complicated she spent long hours talking three sisters, and grew up in a large house on the Banbury with drug company representatives who visited the practice Road, Oxford, now part of the University. She attended regularly, attended annual refresher courses and subscribed Wychwood School for girls and followed her sister Chris to to magazines like Update, which she sent on to a contact in Sherborne School for Girls in Dorset, where she was taught India. When the role of health visitors became more surgery- by an inspiring science teacher, Mrs Hamilton, and decided based, she regretted the lack of critical back-up in home care to become a doctor. She often said that she chose medicine for families at risk. because none of the family had shown any interest in it – her siblings were evenly divided between classical, literary, At the age of 62 Dr Herrin decided to retire and enjoy architectural and other scientific interests. Her father died her hobbies, especially playing the viola in a number of while she was at school and when she went to Oxford, she amateur orchestras and quartets in Oxford. She continued studied at St Anne’s as a home student and missed out on to subscribe to the British Medical Journal and would read the student experience. After completing the first MBA she it every week. In addition to befriending a series of young qualified as a doctor at the Royal Free Hospital in London, lodgers who rented rooms in her house, she was also a keen then one of the few places where women could train as gardener and most loving grandmother. Eleanor Herrin died medics. The group of women she met there became life-long peacefully at her home in Woodstock Road on October 22. friends and all pursued medical careers (Drs Portia Holman, She is survived by her daughter Judith, the eminent historian, Margaret Howat, Marjorie Levay, Joyce Neill and Dorothea as well as two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. Walton). Her son-in-law, Anthony Barnett, said: “Eleanor Herrin was a formidable and much-appreciated family doctor with a Eleanor met her future husband, Philip Herrin, in the tremendous reputation. She was an advocate of women’s queue for standing room at the Royal Opera House in equality and in the 1960s became known as willing to London in 1938; they were married in 1939 and their daughter prescribe contraceptives as the sexual revolution got under Judith was born in 1942. During the war she was evacuated way”. to Rycote isolation hospital, close to Stoke Mandeville, the pioneering hospital for replacement limbs, and worked Judith Herrin mainly in paediatrics, while her husband volunteered for the RAF and was trained in Canada. In 1943 he was shot down over Germany while he was Flying Officer in command of a Lancaster bomber. Eleanor did not remarry.
Page 23 OBITUARIES
Dr Dulcie Gooding (née Rawle) – Lady Reid 1933 – 2014
Dulcie was born and brought up in London and qualified career, Dulcie returned to London to work with Dr June as a doctor in 1959 after training at the Royal Free Hospital Crown in Bloomsbury on medical staffing issues. Medical School, London University. After her pre-registration posts, when she worked at Hampstead General Hospital, Besides her commitment to medicine, Dulcie was she worked for a short time in a general practice in north independent, but committed to public service. In retirement, Kensington before training in Public Health at the London her skills were put to good use as a charity Trustee and while School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, obtaining the Dulcie lived in Oxford she was a Magistrate. Diploma in Public Health. Dulcie made a succession of lovely homes, in London, After this, she worked in the London Borough of Buckinghamshire and Oxford, before moving to Bosham in Hounslow with particular responsibility for child health, her retirement. She inherited a property developer gene, in including in the local schools. Among her responsibilities was that wherever she moved, she would begin with structural the oversight as medical officer of a school for deaf children alterations. Dulcie was also a passionate gardener. She which also had a specialized unit for deaf blind children relaxed with her embroidery, painting and reading – who had been born deaf-blind as the result of their mothers especially history – and while living in Bosham she attended contacting Rubella during early pregnancy. a course on modern history at the University of Chichester which facilitated her work on her own family history. Dulcie moved from London to Aylesbury in the mid- nineteen sixties when she was appointed to the staff of the Dulcie married twice: as a student she married a fellow Medical Officer of Health in Buckinghamshire, who was Dr – medical student, Michael Gooding, which ended in divorce. later Sir – John Reid, a man she later married. She had the She worked with and, later in her retirement, married Sir responsibility for planning the medical services for the new John Reid. Sadly, they only had a few years of happiness city of Milton Keynes. This long term strategic planning was before his sudden death. She enjoyed supporting him a part of her career that she particularly enjoyed. through his year as President of the BMA and travelling with him to professional commitments in Europe and America and She moved back to London when she was appointed as to visit some of his family in Canada. the Area Medical Officer for the Borough of Barnet and Harrow – the only woman in the country at that time to hold such a Her final illness was long, and a prolonged decline allowed post. Following National Health Service reorganization, she her to continue to work at home on her family history, though left Brent and Harrow and completed a vocational training it prevented her from enjoying her last years as fully as she appointment in General Practice working with doctors in would have wished. Ever practical and independent, she Chesham. But this time in general practice served to convince arranged for her care in her own home to within a few weeks her that she was happiest working Public Health. She moved of her death. Dulcie had two children by her first marriage, to Oxfordshire to work on medical staffing at the Oxford a daughter and a son, and three grandchildren, all of whom Regional Health Authority with Dr – later Dame – Rosemary read at her funeral in Bosham Church. Rue. In addition to working throughout the Oxford Region to allocate and appoint medical staff, she worked with Rosemary to facilitate the part-time work of doctors who for personal reasons were unable to work full-time. Although this scheme was open to both men and women, the majority were women and it allowed many women doctors to work part-time while their children were young and return to full-time senior posts when their families were less time consuming. This project has set the pattern for schemes for part-time post-graduate training and working in medicine that have since been adopted nationally. Dulcie was proud of her contribution to policies that helped to overcome some of the obstacles for women in medicine. At the end of her
Page 24 OBITUARIES
Prudence Barron 1917 - 2014
Prudence Barron learned her profession during and after the Second World War, but did also recount that she did have a small taste of pre-war formality. There used to be a weekly ward round by the Consultant, during which the student doctors would line up in clean white coats as the great man arrived in his chauffeur-driven Rolls, clad in pinstripes and black jacket, wearing a grey top hat.
She was born in Poona Maharashtra in India in 1917 during the First World War; her father, Colonel Frederick Halton, who in peacetime was a solicitor and later the coroner for Cumberland, had been stationed on the North-west Frontier during the third Afghan rising. His wife, Ella, missed him greatly and went out to join him; subsequently Prue arrived. Blockaded by a submarine barrage, it was not until two years later that Prue and her mother could return home to Carlisle, Penicillin, in the form of a thick brown liquid administered after a gruelling six-week sea voyage. Prue’s four older by injection, was just being released for civilian use and Prue siblings, expecting an Indian sister, were very disappointed was witness to the spectacular results. when she finally arrived. The Professor of Surgery in Edinburgh wrote: “She has Educated as a boarder at Cheltenham Ladies’ College performed a great many operations, some of considerable from the age of 12, she became a prefect and then Head difficulty and complexity, and her results have been marked of House. Encouraged by her mother, she was accepted by uniform success”. Following intensive study she became a for one of the six places for women at the London School Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in July of Medicine in 1936 and was on the wards at the Royal Free 1945, just a few days after VE Day. Hospital by 1939, when the operating theatres were put underground to avoid the Blitz. The students, considered With a Fellowship under her belt she went on to become highly valuable, were farmed out for their safety and the Assistant Surgical Resident back at Cumberland Infirmary moved around the Home Counties practising the different and then, after a year, in order to expand her knowledge specialties. For Prue it was paediatrics at Carshalton, eyes at and experience, she gained the post of Surgical Resident at Bedford, orthopaedics and casualty at Luton, pathology at St Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she assisted in the Albans, and midwifery at Woking. She qualified in 1942 and first paediatric open heart operation. moved to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle to take the post initially of house physician and then house surgeon where, Throughout this period in a high pressure environment as the senior surgeon commented: “Miss Halton’s duties with post-war demands and staff shortages she excelled were unusually arduous: besides work in the surgical wards, in every field. Prue was invited back to Edinburgh by Miss operating theatre and casualty department she shared Herzfeld and was appointed Senior Surgical Registrar at duties in the fracture service, gynaecological wards and the Bruntsfield Hospital in October 1947 as the inception of Emergency Medical Annexe for war casualties. She proved to the NHS was under way. To supplement what was a very be thoroughly efficient and completely reliable. Her devotion modest salary she demonstrated anatomy at the University to duty, kindness to patients and staff alike made work in my of Edinburgh and it was there, in the somewhat unromantic wards run very smoothly.” setting of the dissection room, that she met fellow surgeon Arthur F M Barron. They were married in Carlisle Cathedral in After 18 months Prue secured a position at The Royal 1950 and a year later the first of three children arrived. When Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh as a Clinical Assistant to she judged the youngest was old enough Prue returned part- the renowned Gertrude Herzfeld, the first practising woman time to her medical career, initially working as the medical surgeon in Scotland. She enjoyed every minute of this post officer at Crawford’s biscuit factory in Edinburgh and later as while studying for her surgical fellowship. During this time, a GP in a Leith Walk practice.
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In 1967 she was appointed medical officer for geriatrics at to one of the neighbours once. “Yes, I know,” the neighbour Queensberry House and Lodge in the Canongate, where she replied. “It was heaven”. She was always a most attentive was known for her kindness, sensitivity and compassion and and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Keeping was also acknowledged as an extremely capable clinician. up to speed with the modern world and, being computer literate, she regularly shared photographs and e-mails with Tragically, in 1971, suddenly and unexpectedly Arthur, family and friends. her husband, died following a massive stroke. Being left to cope with three teenage children and a reduced income A great fighter with a quiet but stubborn determination could not have been easy. Stalwart and determined as at aged 92 she had open heart valve replacement surgery, ever, she continued to work at Queensberry but now also later having both eyes treated for cataracts and more as the Geriatric Associate Specialist at The Royal Victoria, recently a new and advanced hip operation following a fall. Corstorphine and Eastern General hospitals. She continually bounced back, but finally her heart started to fail and with placid acceptance she drifted happily and In 1975 she was awarded the MBE for services to peacefully away on 10 October. Right to the very end she geriatrics. The investiture took place at Buckingham Palace was in complete control, even evaluating with the hospital on what would have been her silver wedding anniversary. doctor the relative merits of her medication and discussing When St Columba’s Hospice opened in 1977, Prue worked with the junior registrars their future careers. Her consultant on a voluntary basis, covering weekends and many nights, wrote: “It was a privilege to have met her, we discussed her subsequently joining the Executive Committee until 1993. experiences and it is very clear that such an intelligent and determined woman paved the way for many other female In addition to her work, she was a leading light in the clinicians and surgeons to be able to deliver the care they do Marriage Guidance Council, a valued assistant in the Leith today”. Hospital Samaritan Society, a dedicated supporter of Christ Church Trinity and then St James Goldenacre. She was She is survived by her three children, Caroline, Bessie and Chair of the local Medical Women’s Federation and, in her Richard; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, the retirement, Chair of the Cruse bereavement counselling last of whom was born on the day of her funeral. Within her service. Devoted to her immediate and wider family circle, well-organised papers she left a note to the family: Prue enjoyed and was knowledgeable in a variety of subjects including the classics, literature, ornithology, botany and Life is eternal, Love is immortal, Death is only a horizon, gardening. She had a great depth of understanding of And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Christianity and throughout her life was sustained by her faith. She kept abreast of current affairs and never lost her Richard Halton Barron fascination for the developments in contemporary medicine.
Prue and Arthur were caring and attentive parents, giving the family a wonderful childhood in Trinity, Edinburgh which seemed to be the meeting point and main playground of all the local children. “We’ve been on holiday,” Prue said
Page 26 Administrative Notes
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