A CLINIC at Stroud General Hospital has been named after the first surgeon in Gloucestershire to perform vascular surgery.

John Fairgrieve came to Stroud in 1967 and started the varicose vein clinics at the hospital.

He died in 2014 and the complex leg wound clinic has been named after John due to his achievements at the hospital over his long and illustrious career.

“John was very patient and kind to patients, always having time to talk to nervous patients,” said Dr Peter Kelly, who worked with John until his retirement.

“He was a family man, and he was also an extremely well known athlete in his youth, where he ran in relay in 1948 London Olympics.

“When he retired he developed his interest in painting and I am pleased to have one of his paintings in my home.

“In all John Fairgrieve was a multi-talented man.

“As a vascular surgeon he was interested in varicose veins, it is very fitting therefore that this complex leg wound clinic is named after him.”

Dr Roy Lamb, President of Stroud Hospitals League of Friends, said: “John was always a strong supporter of Stroud Hospital and performed a lot of major surgery here as well as his vascular work.

“He made a significant contribution to the planning of the Friends’ funded building of the new operating theatre opened in 1973, and I remember particularly his suggestion of fitting a very modern operating light which we learnt was, at the time, the most advanced in the South West Region.”

A plaque was unveiled by Drusilla Fairgrieve, John’s widow, and she was happy to be there to name the clinic after her late husband.

She said: “John enjoyed Stroud Hospital with its friendly atmosphere and the feeling that it truly served the local community.

“He would have been amazed and honoured to have this clinic given his name.”