Surgeon fearing retirement took own life

 A hospital consultant took his own life after suffering from anxiety brought on by his impending retirement, an inquest has heard.

Hugh Cox had worked as a consultant in ear, nose and throat and was a skilled head and neck surgeon at Poole Hospital, Dorset.

The 61-year-old had made the “difficult” decision to retire and was feeling worried about his future. On June 20 he drove to Ringstead Bay, near Weymouth, and injected himself with medications.

He then walked into the sea and drowned himself.

Rachael Griffin, the Dorset coroner, who said Mr Cox “always went the extra mile for all those he cared for”, recorded a verdict of suicide.