Ernest Herman Rainer
BMJ 2003; 327 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7408.229-d (Published 24 July 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;327:229
Data supplement
- Ernest Herman Rainer
Former consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon Dartford and Sevenoaks Hospitals, Kent (b Germany 1916; q Edinburgh 1941; FRCS Ed 1948), d 11 Apri1 2003.The youngest of three children of a noted businessman in Dusseldorf, he came to England from Germany in 1936 to study medicine at Edinburgh University.
Following the outbreak of the second world war he was, as an "alien," for a while interned in Canada, but returned to complete his qualifications at Edinburgh and Glasgow. He then volunteered to join the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he served as a captain until the end of the war.
Ernest became a skilled surgeon and had a wide experience in all branches of otolaryngology, mainly otology and neck surgery. He worked at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Southmead. He was later a consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Dartford, Sevenoaks, Orpington, and Sidcup Hospitals from 1951, where he built an ENT unit of repute in the district general hospital. Well respected by his colleagues and staff, he was a great mentor; a man of great warmth and common sense and always ready to give help when needed. Ernest was respected by his patients, to whom he gave high standards of service over the years.
He was an enthusiastic music lover and accomplished violinist. He played in several local orchestras and music groups.
He was a great communicator and family man and kept in touch with family and friends throughout the world. He will be remembered with much affection.
He leaves two daughters and four grandchildren. His first great grandchild was born only a month after his passing. [Nicky Ashford]