Geoffrey Neish Barker
BMJ 2003; 326 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7384.339/a (Published 08 February 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:339Data supplement
Geoffrey Neish Barker
Consultant ear, nose, and throat surgeon Cheltenham General Hospital (b 1909; q St Thomas’s Hospital, London, 1932; FRCS, DLO), died from cancer of the oesophagus on 11 September 2002.
After studying laryngology in Vienna, and undertaking junior posts in Birmingham and Derby, Geoffrey Neish Barker was appointed a consultant at Cheltenham General Hospital in 1938, and worked there, other than for a short spell in the army during the second world war, until he retired in 1973. For much of this time he was singlehanded and bore the burden of operating not only in the base hospital but in the periphery as well.
He was an accomplished and meticulous surgeon who took pleasure in undertaking the first successful stapedectomy in Gloucestershire. Punctuality was another characteristic, as any latecomer to one of his clinics would be able to testify. However, behind this occasionally slightly stern exterior was a man of great kindness, generosity, and humility (he once refused to let his name go forward for consideration for a merit award), with a delightful sense of humour.
He enjoyed sailing when time allowed and was a skilled furniture maker. In retirement, he also derived pleasure from archery, trout fishing, and acting as a guide to a local abbey.
He leaves a wife, Mary, and a daughter, Sara. [Geoffrey Fox]
See more
- Introductory AddressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 1-4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.1
- Report of the Meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Provincial Association at Bury St. Edmond'sProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 10-13; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.10
- Mr. Warburton's Bill for the Regulation of the Medical ProfessionProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 13-15; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.13
- An Atlas of Plates, illustrative of the Principles and Practice of Obstetric Medicine and Surgery, with descriptive LetterpressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4
- A Practical Treatise on the Diseases peculiar to Women, illustrated by Cases, &cProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4-5; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4-a