Tributes to Blackpool hospital doctor killed in Poulton road smash

7:20pm Friday 18th July 2008

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Heartlfelt tributes have been paid to a Blackpool doctor who died following a road traffic collision in Poulton.

Father-of-two Robert McKendrick died when his Vauxhall Astra was involved in a head on collision with an HGV on Amounderness Way at 11pm on Tuesday, July 15.

The driver of the HGV escaped uninjured, but Mr McKendrick, 35, from Carleton, who was a doctor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, died at the scene.

Dr Chris Dunkley, Clinical Director for Anaesthetics and Theatres at Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Trust is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Robbie McKendrick. He will be missed by many people throughout the hospital and the medical community in the North West of England.

“He spent a large part of his medical career training at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and was shortly due to complete his training as a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.

“He was a talented and caring doctor with seemingly endless enthusiasm. He had recently returned from a medical charity trip to India after helping care for children under cleft lip and palate surgery. All our thoughts are with his family and we mourn a respected colleague and friend.”

Robbie had worked at Blackpool Victoria Hospital intermittently over the past eight years whilst doing his training, most recently as a specialist registrar in anaesthetics, before recently moving on to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the collision and police are keen to speak to witnesses.

In particular they would like to speak to the drivers and passengers of two cars travelling behind the Vauxhall Astra.

Sgt Guy Young, who is leading the investigation, said: "Any death on our roads is regrettable but it is particularly sad that Robbie, who had committed his life to assisting others, whether through illness or through his work in the Indian sub-continent with those less fortunate than ourselves, has died in such tragic circumstances.

"The family are extremely upset at their loss.

"They are trying to come to terms with what has happened and I hope that those witnesses who are perhaps reluctant to come forward, can now do so to assist us in helping the family understand what took place that night.

"I know some have made contact with the press and I would urge them to speak with me."

Police also want to talk to the occupants of a small red car, possibly a Ford Ka, travelling directly behind the Astra.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 01524 63333.