Renowned local doctor dies

Dr Jack Taylor, who worked at both Rochdale Infirmary and Birch Hill Hospitals during a medical career which spanned more than 50 years, died before Christmas at the age of 97.

Dr Taylor was named Man of the Year in 2000 for his long-term service and commitment to the people of Rochdale.

With the support of MP Cyril Smith, Dr Taylor was the driving force in raising funds to open the Bateman Centre at Birch Hill Hospital.

Helping to develop the knowledge and skills of postgraduate doctors, the centre encouraged some of the most highly regarded people in the medical profession in the country to lecture in Rochdale.

Working until the age of 75, he continued to take a keen interest in Rochdale's welfare, becoming involved with the Red Cross and fund-raising for the coronary care unit at Rochdale Infirmary. He helped to raise £450,000, enabling the hospital to purchase angiography equipment for the care unit that he had helped to set up 25 years earlier.