DOC FOUND DEAD IN OP THEATRE
Consultant tragedy is unexplained
A HOSPITAL consultant has been found dead in an operating theatre.
Police and medical staff are investigating the sudden death of Paul Holder, 44, a consultant anaesthetist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
It is understood medical equipment was involved in the death.
Police were called to the Foresterhill site at about 5.20pm on Sunday after a member of staff discovered the body.
There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances, police said yesterday.
Part of Paul’s role at the hospital involved assisting and teaching students at the medical school.
Professor Alan Denison, medical school programme lead, broke the sad news to staff and students in an email.
He wrote: “Whether you were taught or supported by Paul, his death has come as a great shock to those who worked closely with him.
“We are working closely with the anaesthetics department in Aberdeen to support them and students who are attached there.”
Aberdeen University said: “Staff and students at the medical school are saddened at the loss of our colleague.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
The operating theatre was closed while police investigated Paul’s death, leading to some patients’ procedures being cancelled. NHS Grampian said: “We are assisting Police Scotland with a live investigation. “Our thoughts are with the bereaved at this time. Out of respect to all those involved we will not be commenting further.” Police said: “Police Scotland was informed of the sudden death of a 44-year-old man at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday at around 5.20pm. “The death is being treated as unexplained but there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. “A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.” Anyone affected by Paul’s death can call Cruse Bereavement Care on 0845 600 2227 or Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day).
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