TRIBUTES: Family, colleagues and patients honour Worthing GP Dr Edwin Cameron
RESIDENTS and doctors across Worthing have reacted with shock at the news a much-loved GP died after an accident while playing tennis.
Dr Edwin Cameron, 61, a GP in Findon Valley, Durrington and Offington for more than 35 years, was injured in a tragic accident while playing at Field Place, Maybridge, on Saturday, November 15.
Husband and wife, David and Sarah Batchelor, whose daughter was holding her wedding reception at Field Place, rushed over to help him before paramedics arrived – but he died at Worthing Hospital the following day.
Family's pride
Dr Cameron's family, wife Joan, 57, and children Rachel, 32, Alexander, 29, and Jessica, 25, paid tribute to a "kind, happy and funny" man who always put other people first and was easy to talk to.
Speaking from the family home in West Worthing, they said: "What has happened is like a bad dream.
"He was kind and made everyone feel so special.
"He had a great sense of humour and was extremely welcoming, generous and respectful.
"He was a modest man and we are very proud of him. Patients went to see him because they trusted him and he cared and listened.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. It has been a real comfort to us."
Life's work
Dr Cameron became a GP in Worthing in 1973, practising at a surgery in Offington.
He left that surgery with Dr Peter Martin and, with Dr Geoff Roberts, they opened the Findon Surgery in Findon Road.
In 1991, they opened the Limetree Surgery in Limetree Avenue, Findon Valley.
Dr David Mannings, a partner at the surgery, said Dr Cameron was one of the "last great old-style general practitioners".
"He dedicated his life to his patients. His relationships with his patients was amazing."
Commitment to health
John Wilderspin, Chief Executive for West Sussex PCT said: "Dr Cameron was much loved and highly respected, not just amongst his patients but also amongst colleagues and staff who worked with him.
"During his career he provided a excellent service to his patients and relatives and his endless enthusiasm and commitment to healthcare in the county will be greatly missed.
"His colleagues at the PCT would like to extend their condolences to Dr Cameron's family at this very sad time.
Amazing man
Charlie Pratt, a member of the surgery's patient group, said: "He was one-in-a-million and there are a number of people who owe their lives to Dr Cameron and his diagnostic skills.
"He was an amazing man."
For 13 years, Dr Cameron had strong links with Salvington Lodge, formerly Swandean Hospital, a community hospital in Salvington Hill.
Matron Anne Marie Whent said: "Everyone is terribly shocked.
"He was an important part of our team and was such a character.
"Nothing was ever too much trouble for him."
Lives touched
The Herald has been inundated with tributes to Dr Cameron.
Maxine and Mick Walden said: "We considered him a friend.
"We hope his family can take some consolation from the fact he helped so many people and touched so many lives."
When the Durrington Health Centre opened in the early 1980s, many practices had branches there, including Limetree Surgery.
Dr Cameron enjoyed cars, gardening, the guitar, travel and had been playing tennis and snooker for many years.
Scanner appeal
He was a supporter of organ donation and his wishes were fulfilled.
Funeral details have not yet been finalised, but his family are asking for donations towards a CT scanner at Worthing Hospital instead of flowers.
Please go to www.ctscannerappeal.org.uk or telephone Tribes in Broadwater.
Readers' tributes
A lovely man and an excellent doctor. Our thoughts are with his family.
The Stewart family, Mark, Maria, Renee and Luca.
We were saddened by the news of our dear Dr Cameron dieing he was such a caring person.
Why do the good die young?
Our thoughts are with his family.
We will miss him greatly.
Eileen, Stephen, Natalie, Patrick and Sophie Hoad
I was shock and deeply saddened by the news of Dr Cameron's death.
I have been a patient of his since childhood and have been receiving treatment for a chronic illness for the past eight years.
Dr Cameron was a wonderful family doctor who was always so supportive, sympathetic and kind.
His passing is a great loss to the Lime Tree Surgery and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
Caroline Feldwicke
I still can't believe this very sad and tragic news.
Edwin had been my family doctor for some 30 years.
He was busy but always had time to talk and listen, a very, very caring and knowledgeable GP.
His untimely death is an enormous loss to the local community.
I will miss him as a friend as well as a doctor.
Deepest condolences to Edwin's family.
He will be remembered for many years to come.
David Parker
Dr Cameron will be greatly missed by everyone, especially at Salvington Lodge hospital where he looked after his elderly patients, including my mother Eileen Boddy, with so much kindness and care.
Our sincere condolences to his family and the staff at Salvington.
Gillian (ne Boddy) and Maurice Amzallag
Words cannot express how saddened I feel.
Dr Cameron saw me through meningitis, he will be sorely missed by me and my family.
Limetree Surgery will not be the same.
My thoughts are with all his family at this sad time.
Karen Hopper
I live in New York, but have met Dr Cameron many times over the last
two years since my mother has been a patient of his at Salvington
Lodge Hospital.
During her first few months there she had multiple
medical problems (and still does), but because of his care, and the
care of all the staff there, she has regained an inner strength and
continues to survive, which I (my two sisters, grandchildren and
friends) are so thankful for.
And this is all because of the treatment and care that Dr Cameron prescribed.
He was a wonderful man, and as so many other tributes have said, he will be impossible to replace.
We all hope that his family know of his achievements, and can find solace and peace with his passing.
Richard Boddy
More tributes to Dr Cameron can be found by clicking here.
To add your own thoughts either comment below or email kirsty.hanlon@worthingtoday.co.uk or letters@worthingherald.co.uk
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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