World renowned specialist neuroscience hospital will be named after Professor Sid Watkins (OBE, FRCS) – Formula One Motor Racing’s “The Prof”.
More information: http://tinyurl.com/ml247gz
The official news was announced today by Sir Jackie Stewart, Britain’s first Formula One World Champion superstar and another pioneer in motorsport safety, who was live on-air with Paul Salt’s BBC Radio Merseyside Breakfast Programme, providing the official announcement.
The commemorative celebration is being held on 22 November at The Aintree Circuit 60th Anniversary Grand Prix Charity Dinner Dance at nearby Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Circuit Club founded in 1954 with the opening of the former Aintree Grand Prix Circuit , originally initiated the idea to commemorate Professor Sid Watkins and are delighted that all behind the scenes work they have undertaken over a two year period, including the liaison with the Watkins Family by Club Vice President, Sir Drummond Bone, has culminated in the naming of The Sid Watkins Building at the Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, which will open in January 2015.
The new three-storey building will house the Trust’s new rehabilitation unit; pain management programme and medical training facilities and Mersey Care’s brain injuries unit.
The naming has been welcomed by everyone within the motor racing fraternity, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE states “Professor Watkins’ contribution to saving the lives of many people in motorsport will never be forgotten and it’s absolutely appropriate that this new development will assist in ensuring that Professor Sid Watkins will be remembered forever, by the naming of this excellent facility in his honour.” ““Professor Sid Watkins was one of the greatest men of medicine that I have ever encountered. His dedication to constantly finding new ways of doing things, to give people another chance to enjoy life, was a huge asset to both the world of medicine and to those who were fortunate enough to have his help and talent to provide life“
Outside Formula 1 his work continues to deliver safety benefits in sporting activities as wide ranging as horse trials and rally car events. Sid Watkins was also fundamental to the development of the Royal London Hospital\’s helicopter emergency service and the first emergency brain scanning unit, both of which were subsequently mirrored at other major hospitals. It was his leadership in safety research that has ultimately led to changes in the design of all cars.
Mrs Susan Watkins said: “My husband would have been proud to know that his name has been attached to this rehabilitation facility, both its calibre and scope reflect his own attitudes to patient care, and his concern for the ongoing needs of those who suffer from neurological diseases and injuries requiring long-term treatment. In this way it is a reflection of his life\’s work and, in a sense, brings him home to his roots in Liverpool.”
A meeting with Bernie Ecclestone in 1975 lead him to the role as the FIA Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate and head of the Formula One on-track medical team. Watkins performed for twenty six years. He helped to save the lives of many F1 drivers, including:-
Gerhard Berger, Martin Donnelly, Érik Comas,Mika Häkkinen, and Rubens Barrichello. Still awaiting news of Bernie Ecclestone, and many F1 drivers availability to attend the Charity Dinner in Sid’s honour.
In association with the naming of the new building the hospital has also launched a \’Sid Watkins Fund\’ to support innovation and enhancements in the diagnosis, treatment and care of neurological injuries and illnesses.
Your help and support would be greatly appreciated in either at attedning or providing unique items to auction at the launch.
