Tributes paid to Wakefield doctor David Oughtibridge

A ‘respected’ and ‘wise’ Wakefield doctor of 32 years’ practice has died.

Dr Keith Souter pays tribute to colleague David Brenan Oughtibridge:

Dr Oughtibridge, a much respected local GP passed away on January 15 at Carr Gate Nursing Home after a relatively short illness.

David was born in 1937 and graduated in medicine with honours in surgery from Leeds University in 1961.

After jobs in medicine, surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology he joined Southgate Surgery in 1963 and became a full partner in 1965.

When he was a house surgeon in Leeds his boss, the eminent surgeon Mr Oldfield, was very keen for David to take up a career in surgery.

David replied that he planned to have a life, marry and become a family doctor.

Undoubtedly, surgery’s loss was general practice’s gain.

Along with his general practice he had an abiding interest in psychiatry and for many years was a member of the Medico-Psychological Society and was a clinical assistant in psychiatry at Stanley Royd Hospital.

Over his 32 years in practice he became an extremely popular doctor, respected by patients and colleagues.

He was also one of the first GP trainers in Wakefield, a role that he enjoyed immensely as it gave him the opportunity to pass on his skills to young doctors intent on becoming GPs

Medical politics fascinated him and he was chairman of the local British Medical Association in 1979-80.

Civic duties also claimed his attention and he was an active member of Round Table, Rotary and Probus Club.

David was my partner for 20 years at Southgate Surgery, which later became the New Southgate Surgery.

An astute diagnostician, he was well known for his punctuality.

Upon retirement, however, he took his wristwatch off and vowed that he would not be ruled by the clock again.

That lasted a mere fortnight and soon he took up another appointment as chairman of the Local Medical Committee, where he was always available with wise counsel.

He is survived by Gwyneth his wife of 61 years and by his children Nicholas and Joanne, and three grandchildren.

He was a shrewd, wise doctor from whom I learned a lot of medicine.