AN MP has led further tributes to a dedicated Southend surgeon who has sadly died.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, posted a video paying tribute to the beloved and respected surgeon Neil Rothnie, who died suddenly on Sunday.

Mr Rothnie was the medical director for Southend Hospital and was a well-regarded surgeon treating women who had breast cancer.

 

Sir David Amess said: “I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of the medical director of Southend Hospital Mr Neil Rothnie.

“This has come as a terrible blow to his family as he died suddenly on Sunday.

“He dedicated the whole of his life to the health service and in particular was responsible for saving the lives of any number of women suffering from breast cancer.

“My heart goes out to his family; I offer them my deepest sympathy on this terrible loss.”

Mr Rothnie died just a day after “leading from the front” at Southend Hospital.

The hospital has assured people there was “no reason to believe” that Mr Rothnie’s death was related to COVID-19.

Colleagues praised him as a dedicated and hard-working member of the team as heartbroken patients queued up to pay their own tributes to the man whose dedicated, kind and compassionate work touched so many lives.

Further tributes were paid to Mr Rothnie on Facebook.

Sandra Evans wrote: “I worked with him some years ago just a receptionist but he was the kindest man, never saw him in a bad mood just always smiling. RIP Neil.”

Sharon Bradstock wrote: “RIP Neil you were my breast surgeon and the best I could have asked for. You will be missed by many.”

Maria Gilding wrote: "Absolutely shocked to the core, this amazing man carried out a surgery and a number of consultations on me. Reassuring me many a time!! Such a shame. RIP Mr Rothnie Sam Jayne Smith wrote: “R.i.p you was a friend to me and my family you will be greatly missed.”

Michelle Lewis said: “Such sad news. He was very kind and patient when my mum saw him. He will be missed. RIP.”

Shelley Clark said: "So very sad to hear this sad news. Mr Rothnie treated my sister for breast cancer and was also very kind when I had a scare a couple of years ago.

"Such a kind and professional man. My thoughts go to his friends and family at this heartbreaking time."

Kay Stobart said: "I have a lot to thank this man for, such sad news. My thoughts are with his family. He will be remembered with much affection."

Mr Rothnie qualified as a doctor from St Bartholomew's Hospital in London in 1981. He undertook postgraduate surgical training in and around London, including a stint as a surgical registrar at Southend Hospital in the 1980's.

A period in cancer research at Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Royal Free Hospital led to the award of a Master of Surgery degree from the University of London.

He was a senior registrar at St Bartholomew's Hospital prior to his appointment as a consultant general surgeon at Southend Hospital in 1994.

Neil established the specialist Breast Unit at Southend and developed the 'open access' hernia service. He was the director of screening for South Essex Breast Screening Service and lead clinician for breast services.

He has spent 16 years as the surgical lead to the Regional Quality Assurance team for the NHS Breast Screening Programme and has chaired the National Breast Screening Audit for the last five years.