Ex-surgeon brings career to book
A FORMER surgeon has used the experiences of working for the NHS as the inspiration for a second career as an author.
Peter Sykes, 78, who lives in Stockport, has published Laughter is the Best Medicine.
It is a collection of short stories charting the journey of a newlyqualified trainee doctor to competent surgeon, viewed through the experiences of the patients he treats.
Proceeds from the book will go to East Cheshire Hospice and St Ann’s Hospice, in Stockport.
Peter, who lives in Stockport and is a member of Davenport Golf Club, in Poynton, said: “It is a ‘coffee table’ collection of patient based short stories - many humorous, some sad, all very human.
“Triumphs, failures and embarrassing incidents are all told with equal candour.”
One of the book’s main themes is that compassion and a sense of humour can be an important part of treatment and recovery, Peter added.
Since retiring Peter has written a series of books relating to his former career and Laughter is the Best Medicine will be the final one.
He worked as a consultant surgeon in Trafford for 25 years then for the Healthcare Commission - now known as the Care Quality Commission - for six years.
Although surgeon to author is not a particularly well-trodden path, Peter says the transition has been made easier because of the interest in the medical profession.
Peter is from a medical family, his father was a consultant at Stepping Hill Hospital and his mother was a nurse at Manchester Royal Infirmary. His three sons also continued the family tradition as all went to work for the NHS - as a physio, nurse and a doctor.