DONATIONS in memory of a much-loved Dunstable doctor have funded three brand new drug trolleys in the hospital ward where he spent his final days.
Dr Angus Donald died in March last year, just a few weeks after retiring from his practice at 47 High Street South after more than 35 years in the medical profession.
He had run the surgery single-handedly since 1986 with the help of his wife Sylvia and a small team of staff.
After Dr Donald’s death, many of his patients donated cash in his memory to Addenbrookes Hospital renal unit, where he had been treated.
Mrs Donald, who recently officially handed over the trolleys to the hospital, told the Gazette: “We were all delighted when the sum raised totalled £2,000 and the unit decided to purchase new drug trolleys which would meet the latest specifications.
“The decision to use the money for these trolleys was taken by the staff who knew Angus so well because they said ‘he will still be able to be involved in giving the patients their medication, and will accompany us, in spirit, on our drugs rounds three times daily’.
“He spent the majority of the last year of his life on that ward. For the last 18 weeks he was there for the whole time and he received wonderful care.
“He went to Addenbrookes not only because of his illness, he had always gone there at least twice a year for GP refresher courses. He was well known there among the staff and doctors.”
Mrs Donald said her husband would have been amazed by the response.
“I think he wouldn’t believe it and he would be humbled. He always said he got as much from his patients as he gave to them.
“He has left a legacy of love.”
Dr Donald came to medicine in his late 20s, having previously been a chartered electrical engineer. He was accepted at Oxford Medical School and went on to work at hospitals in Oxford, London and at Stoke Mandeville, where he was a registrar in general medicine specialising in cardiology and diabetes. He became a GP in 1986.
Dr Donald was laid to rest at the family home in Whimple, east Devon. Many of his patients also donated blooms to be planted at his graveside.
“They sent a fantastic number of spring flowers,” said Mrs Donald, who lives in Totternhoe. “Some were planted out on the grave but as we are having a gravestone fairly soon we have planted some in the garden here in a dedicated area.”