Southend Hospital rename breast unit in honour of Neil Rothnie

Neil Rothnie, who died in March, has been honoured at the location where he spent many years as a consultant breast surgeon, which is now named after him.

The breast unit will now be known as The Neil Rothnie breast unit, featuring a plaque with the former medical director’s name unveiled by his family during a short, private, socially-distanced ceremony today in his memory.

Mr Rothnie’s family said: “Southend Hospital, and the breast unit in particular, was such an important part of Neil’s life. He spent so many happy years there doing what he loved. We are so proud that the breast unit is being renamed in his honour, on what would have been his 63rd birthday. The whole family are extremely touched by such a wonderful gesture."

Mr Rothnie was a much-loved colleague and respected surgeon who established Southend’s specialist breast unit, serving as the hospital’s medical director since December 2012.

Clare Panniker, CEO of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and Southend Hospital’s managing director Yvonne Blucher, were also at the small event which honoured the life and career of the man who worked at Southend Hospital for over 25 years.

Ms Panniker said: "Neil’s absolute priority was his patients. As a clinician he provided individual, compassionate care and, as medical director, he championed the highest quality of care for patients and the best training opportunities for doctors. Neil always had Southend in his heart and now, thanks to this building bearing his name, he’ll always be at the heart of Southend Hospital.”

Ms Blucher said: "Neil’s sudden death was a huge shock to us all. He is much missed, but will never be forgotten by those who worked alongside him, or those patients whose lives he changed for the better, of which there were many.

"Each time any of us walk past or through the doors of the breast unit we will be forever reminded of Neil – his warmth, generosity and compassion."