Audrey Mary Platt

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 and who died on Wednesday 10th April 2024, aged 87. Dearly loved by her family, many friends and colleagues.

When Audrey took up her role serving patients across Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley in 1974, she was the only female consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Dr George Teturswamy a consultant anaesthetist, worked alongside Audrey for many years and who became a good friend, said, ” Audrey was an ‘inspiration’ to fellow staff members and patients and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. 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 mining town of Wakefield. 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 sail on the S.S. Canton. However, one of her friends suffered appendicitis, so they had to disembark at the port of Aden. They remained there for one month before later continuing their journey on to Mumbai. They in what is now Andhra Pradesh, in the town of Medak. Dr Teturswamy said: “It was very hard and very tough but Audrey loved it and got on with the people really well there.”

On her return to the UK, Audrey began working in the NHS and then in Lancashire. At the time she was told a new maternity unit was imminent… that did not arrive for another twenty years. Audrey worked 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 dedicated her life to helping others as much as she could. She 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. Audrey was a tireless worker and the health service regionally is greatly indebted to her.

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

 

Family flowers only please. Donations are gratefully being received in memory of Audrey on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice. To make a donation please click the ‘ Make A Donation’ button at the bottom of this page.

Please feel free to leave a message for Audrey’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

Mike Gerrard

Miss Platt saved the life of my wife (Lynn) after being rushed from Accrington to QPH following the birth of our son Stuart in 1974. Thank you and God Bess

Thomas Eddu, Toronto, Canada

My name is Thomas Eddu and I live in Toronto, Canada. My memories of Dr. Platt were from early 60s (1961-1965) in Medak, India where she worked as a medical missionary along with my Dad Dr. Daniel. I remember as a young boy sixty years ago ( I am now 67) Dr. Platt to be a tall, fair and good looking young doctor, who came all the way from England to work in a small Indian town. I was awe struck, just looking at her. She was living in “ladies Bungalow”, which was adjacent to our house, with other two British nurses, Mary Banks and Dorothy Hill. Since I didn’t know then to speak English fluently, she would smile and speak to us in halting Telugu, a local Indian language. As I look back now in 2024 almost 60 years later, how Dr. Platt was faithful to her calling from Lord Jesus Christ. Leaving everything… the security and comfort of her country, her family and friends., and chose to work with the poor, who desperately needed healthcare. She is truly blessed and is welcomed by Lord to her eternal home; As we read in Mathew 25: 35-40. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Margaret Pilkington

Miss Platt was a wonderful lady.She made a difference to so many families in the area.  She will be missed

Lorraine Sumner

Miss Platt was my surgeon when I had my two children at Blackburn Royal Infirmary in 1979 and 1981. She was so lovely to me, her bed side manner was so gentle and filled me with confidence when I needed it.  Miss Platt was without doubt a brilliant Doctor in her field.   I met with Miss Platt again a few years ago when I learned she lived nearby and I thanked her again for what she did for me.   RIP Miss Platt, a true lovely lady. Thank you,  Lorraine & Peter Sumner

Michael Grundy

Audrey was a highly regarded colleague and friend prior to my own retirement from Orthopaedic Surgery 30 years ago. My wife Kirsty also has good reason to be grateful for Audrey’s skills. RIP

Beverley Watson

I will be forever grateful to Miss Platt, as a past patient. My children are here because of you,  and I’m now a Grandmother of 3. Rest in Peace ❤️🙏

Jeanette Russell Blackburn

Miss Platt was my gynaecologist and also I worked on her ward as her nurse. She was kind caring and an amazing surgeon, the likes of which will never be forgotten. I will never forget the loving care she gave to each and every patient under her care. I am honoured to have known her both as a patient and colleague. May she rest in peace.

Sheelagh McMahon

I own a great debt of gratitude for all the care I received during my pregnancies, she was a lovely, caring woman, may she rest in peace.

Michael and Carol Ratcliffe

We were sorry to hear of the death of Audrey. We met her at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel Swimming pool.. Audrey became a very special friend and we will miss her so much. Even though Audrey had stopped swimming she joined our group for coffee and a catch up every Wednesday morning. Audrey insisted on paying for all of us each time….she was a very determined lady. Thank goodness we were able to celebrate her last birthday together with a “cake and candles” Audrey really enjoyed herself.  We loved our talks with her and like so many we have happy memories of a very special friend . Thank you Audrey.

Christine Quinn

I was a patient of Audrey’s for many years before she retired. She was an excellent consultant but also made you feel special in spite of all  the patients she saw. . I used to hear about her in her retirement as my cousin was a good friend of her’s. We met up again socially as we scattered as we scattered Frank’s ashes. She had a great sense of humour and was good company. But most of all a lovely, caring lady. One of the best! Rest in peace after a well lived life.

Sam Spedding

Miss Platt was highly spoken of on many occasions in our house. RIP

Dorothy  Nicolson

Remembering  Miss Platt when she operated  on me when I was in my 40s she was lovey and I will never forget her bedside manner.  Always be grateful a lovely lady, thank you ly