A pioneer behind the founding of Liverpool Women's Hospital and an avid campaigner for women's health has died aged 85.
Bob Atlay died at his home in Crosby following a long battle with prostate cancer. The renowned gynaecologist and obstetrician campaigned for the clinical services for women’s health to be brought together in Liverpool - the city he lived in and loved.
His fierce campaigning led to the creation of Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and in 1994 he became the hospital’s first Medical Director, a position he held for nine years. Mr Atlay studied medicine at the University of Liverpool Medical School between 1954 and 1960 and worked for renowned female healthcare expert Sir Norman Jeffcoate.
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He became a member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1996, and a Fellow in 1981. He later became a council member then Honorary Secretary for the royal college.
His 41-year NHS career included 31 years as a consultant before his retirement in 2001. Atlay was regarded as a man of huge enthusiasm and drive which extended to all he did, including activity outside of medicine.
He made substantial and valuable contributions to his local community, the Medical Student’s Society, the Liverpool Medical Institution, the Student and Postgraduate Rugby Clubs and to Waterloo Rugby Club where he had spells as chairman and president. He served as High Sheriff of Merseyside between 2003 and 2004 and was Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2003.
He was a keen supporter of Liverpool Community College, a fundraiser for the Bluecoat Fund, president of the Liverpool Artist’s club in 1997 and a member of the Gynaecological Travellers Club of Great Britain.
Kathy Thomson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Women’s Hospital, said: "Bob Atlay was an important and influential figure and one of the driving forces in in the development of women's health, bringing together the obstetrics and gynaecological services in Liverpool, culminating in the development of the Liverpool Women's Hospital.
"His legacy lives on, and the Liverpool Women's Hospital remains one of foremost, centres of excellence in Europe."
John Kirwan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Ex-Clinical Director at Liverpool Women's Hospital added: "Bob Atlay was a leading light in obstetrics and gynaecology. He was an inspiration to generations of doctors in training who have now become the consultants who are leading, developing and delivering high-quality care in women's health.
"He was a fantastic teacher for undergraduates and junior doctors alike. He treated students with respect and was very inclusive of his junior doctors, and even as a medical student you felt part of the team rather than just someone who was hanging around getting in the way. He will be remembered fondly by many."
Mr Atlay leaves a wife, Jean and daughters Josephine and Victoria, as well as four grandchildren.
