Deepest sympathy extended to surgeon's family

The longest serving member of medical staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, Mr Bateson specialised in vascular surgery and was one of the most respected clinicians in Northern Ireland.

Gerard Guckian. Chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, expressed his deepest sympathy on behalf of the Trust following Mr Bateson's death.

"I am saddened to learn of the death of Mr Paul Bateson. Mr Bateson provided exemplary service as a consultant surgeon in Altnagelvin Area Hospital since 1981 and was the longest serving member of medical staff in the hospital. Mr Bateson's commitment to patients was unstinting and he always worked over and above what could be expected of even the most committed individual.

"Mr Bateson was strongly influential in developing surgical services and attracting colleagues of a high calibre to the Western Trust. He led the field in vascular surgery in the North West and introduced a range of new services to the area. "

Mr Guckian added: "He showed the strongest leadership during traumatic periods in Northern Ireland's history and responded most willingly in times of great need. Mr Bateson worked to save the lives of many injured people.

"On behalf of the Trust and his many colleagues and friends who were privileged to work alongside him in Altnagelvin and Roe Valley Hospitals for almost three decades, I express my deepest sympathy to Mr Bateson's wife and family on their great loss."

Mr Bateson lived with his wife Deirdre in Limavady. He is survived by Deirdre, and also his children Paul, Nick, Cathy, Michael, Helen, Ali and Lucy. His funeral took place last Thursday.