Missing in the Alps, British doctor who was about to retire
‘Extremely distressing time’
A MIssIng British doctor is feared to have died after he failed to return from a solo hike in the French Alps.
senior gP Robert Bailey, 63, who was about to retire, set off from his hotel last Thursday to explore a mountain pass.
The hotel manager raised the alarm when he failed to return. A search involving helicopters was called off yesterday after mountain rescue teams failed to find him.
They fear the experienced hiker, who was carrying a mobile phone, may have had an accident or was suddenly taken ill near Chamonix. The Cambridge-educated gP is diabetic and also has a heart condition.
Dr Bailey is senior partner at Minster Medical Practice near his home in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, where he specialises in palliative care, diabetes, cancer and minor surgery.
He is also clinical lead for end-of-life care and a board member at Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Clinical Commissioning group. The father- of-two was holidaying with two friends at a hotel he had visited several times before.
The Col de la Forclaz pass he was trekking to was a former smuggling route between switzerland and France. Captain Andre Espinasse, of the Chamonix Mountain Rescue Unit, said helicopters and dogs took part in the search.
A photo Dr Bailey sent his family in the UK during the day was used to pinpoint his last known position. Captain Espinasse said: ‘Mr Bailey was dressed appropriately for his hike. He is an experienced hiker and was well-equipped.
‘The conditions on Thursday were excellent throughout the day. The area of search is extensive. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack.’
He said the hiking route was ‘easy’, but added: ‘If you deviate then the sector is vast and complicated.’ Dr Bailey’s wife of 35 years, Ita, 62, answered the door of their £400,000 home yesterday but declined to comment, saying: ‘I’d rather not talk about it, thank you.’
Patients paid tribute to him online, with Carol Marriott writing: ‘He has been my doctor for 36 years. He is an amazing doctor, always had time for his patients.’ Janet smith added: ‘He is a brilliant doctor and friend to many. He has looked after four generations of my family. He is a kind, caring, wise man. He was due to retire shortly.’
Dr gary Howsam, of the CCg, said: ‘ This is an extremely distressing time for everyone who knows and works with Rob, as well as his patients. Our thoughts are with his family.’
A recorded message at the practice yesterday said: ‘We are extremely saddened to advise that last Thursday Dr Bailey, who was on holiday in Chamonix, was involved in an accident.’ The Foreign Office said: ‘We are in contact with the French authorities concerning a missing British man and are assisting his family.’