A new plaque unveiled last month celebrates the memory of the now demolished Escomb Road Medical Centre and in particular the doctors who worked from the premises.
Jane Ruffer, CEO at The Auckland Project, unveiled the plaque alongside Mrs Cathy Lloyd, wife of the late Dr Lloyd, who worked there with his colleague, Dr Dawes.
The plaque was the idea of town mayor, Cllr Sam Zair. As Mrs Ruffer explains: “The Auckland Project was initially contacted by Bishop Auckland Mayor, Sam Zair when we were demolishing the empty Escomb Road Medical Centre to replace with modern parking.
“Sam asked if we could install a story board detailing the background of the medical centre which operated on the site and commemorating the work of Dr Dawes and Dr Lloyd along with the other GPs who also worked from these premises. Dr Dawes came to Bishop Auckland at the beginning of the NHS in 1948.
“An innovator, he was one of the first practices to introduce all day surgeries with an appointment system in the 1960s.
“Later he was joined by Dr Lloyd and the practice was highly respected and even today has a great reputation with the town.
“In retirement, Dr Dawes continued to help the community in helping set up what became the Butterwick Hospice.
“Having worked within the NHS myself for many years as a doctor and palliative care specialist, I appreciate the work that GPs do within our communities.”
Mayor Zair added: “I have been involved in quite a few initiatives over the past twenty years as a councillor, but this by far, has given me the most satisfaction.
“I’m over the moon for both families and thank you to the Auckland Project for all their support.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
