Dr Peter Tweedy MD FRCP (1920 - 2002)

by Professor John Brocklehurst

Peter Tweedy, MD FRCP, born 1920, trained at Newcastle General Hospital and at Gateshead. He was appointed consultant geriatrician to Stockport hospitals in 1959. He died of heart failure on 5 July 2002.

In 1945 Peter landed in Normandy on D-day, eventually reaching Nijmegen whence two events followed governing the rest of his life. He met a young Dutch girl, who became his wife, and he embraced the Catholic faith. His work as a single-handed consultant geriatrician began, as was the custom of the time, with charge of several hundred beds in four different hospitals. He developed a dynamic service with day hospital, stroke unit, acute and rehabilitation wards and encouraged strong community links. He had a team of three consultants when he retired.

Following retirement Peter led a group that, with the assistance of the Leonard Cheshire Foundation and the Johnny Johnson Trust, raised over £1 million to create a rehabilitation centre - Oakwood, for head injury patients. It was opened by the Queen who was welcomed by Peter from his wheelchair in which he spent his last 15 years. He served St Ann’s Hospice in Manchester, both as a member of the management committee (establishing its day hospital) and as honorary medical officer. He also founded a branch of the Catholic Advisory Marriage Council in Stockport.

Peter was a man of great drive and humanity, whose influence for good extended far beyond Stockport. He was also a talented pianist. He leaves his widow Annemarie, one daughter, three sons, one a GP, and 12 grandchildren.