Gwendolen Margaret Gwladys Barton (née Thomas)
BMJ 2005; 331 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7528.1342-a (Published 01 December 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;331:1342
Data supplement
Gwendolen Margaret Gwladys Barton (née Thomas)
Former consultant pathologist Salisbury General Infirmary (b Acton 1916; q Royal Free Hospital, London, 1940; BSc, MD 1957, FRCPath 1968), died on 29 June 2005 from complications of two falls at home.Gwen was born in London to Welsh parents. Her father was medical officer of health for Acton and her mother a classical singer. A gifted musician herself, she chose to study medicine. On qualifying at UCL and the Royal Free she went into pathology.
After marriage to an army officer she spent several years as a GP in Wales, where their three children were born.
Returning to pathology, firstly in Dorchester and then Salisbury, she gained her doctorate through research into cholinesterases and their use in recovery from anaesthetics. She was appointed consultant in Salisbury and was a founder member of the Royal College of Pathologists.
After retirement in 1976 Gwen continued to work in general practice, occupational health, and most notably as the first medical director of the Salisbury Hospice. She was still helping out in general practice until her 80th birthday.
For many years she was a member of the Christian Medical Fellowship and was also a skilled organist and church choirmistress. Her faith in Christ made her a tower of strength to patients, colleagues, family, and friends.
Predeceased by her husband, Cecil, she leaves a son (also a doctor), two daughters, nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. [Peter G Wragg]