A pioneering consultant gynaecologist who served the health service for over 20 years has died.

Tributes have been paid to Audrey Mary Platt, who lived in Rishton who died on Wednesday (April 10) aged 87.

When she took up her role serving patients across Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley in 1974, Miss Platt was the only female Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

Dr George Teturswamy a consultant anaesthetist, worked alongside Audrey for many years and became a good friend.

He said Audrey was an ‘inspiration’ to fellow staff members and patients and would be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

He said: “She was wonderful to be around and all those who met her were touched by her compassion and kindness.”

Audrey was born on Easter Day in the North Yorkshire. Her family were part of the local Methodist church and Audrey would become a volunteer with the Methodist church herself.

She would go on to study at Liverpool Medical School where she remained for five years.

In September 1961 she decided she wanted to go to India to help those less fortunate and set sale on the S.S. Canton. However, one of her friend suffered appendicitis, so they had to disembark at the port of Aden.

They would remain there one month before later continuing their journey on to Mumbai. She would settle in what is now Andhra Pradesh and the town of Medak.

Dr Teturswamy said: “It was very hard and very tough but she loved it and got on with the people really well there.”

On her return to the UK, she would begin working in the NHS and then in Lancashire. 

Dr Teturswamy said: “At the time she as told a new maternity unit was imminent. That did not arrive for another twenty years.

“She would work in the health service until 1995 when she retired at the age of 58.

“She then went on to become a volunteer ambulance driver and also the chairman of the East Lancashire hospice.

“Audrey wanted to dedicate her life to helping others as much as she could.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Audrey remained involved in the local community for many years and also travelled regularly, including to India to visit those she had met earlier in life. Later, she became more content to stay at home.

Dr Teturswamy added: “She would say 'she never felt wealthy but she always felt rich because of her friends'.

“Audrey was a tireless worker and the health service regionally is greatly indebted to her.”

The funeral service will take place at the Parish Church of St.Peter and Paul, Rishton, BB1 4BZ at 12.15pm on Thursday 25 April. Committal at Accrington Crematorium at 1.40pm, followed by Wakes at Sparth house at 2.40pm.

For further details you may call Champ Funeral Services on 01254 390731.