It is with great sadness that the Trust learned this week of the death of Dr Jean-Pierre van Besouw (pictured), a former Consultant Anaesthetist at St George’s, and previously one of our staff Governors.

“J-P” (as he liked to be known) qualified from Barts in 1981 where he also began his anaesthetic training. His registrar rotation brought him to St George’s, where he returned as a consultant cardiac anaesthetist  in May 1990, having completed training in London and Perth, Australia.

His interest in training in anaesthesia led him to become Head of the St George’s School of Anaesthesia, Regional Advisor and Chairman of the regional training Committee.

In parallel, he became an examiner for the Royal College of Anaesthetists for 12 years, culminating in being Chairman of the Examinations Committee. He was also a reviewer for many of the main anaesthetic journals to which he also contributed extensively.

He was President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists between 2012-2015, and also served as Vice Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

“J-P” was highly respected, and a kind and thoughtful man – and will be sorely missed by his colleagues and friends at St George’s.

Professor Andrew Rhodes, Medical Director at St George’s, said:

“J-P was one of a kind, and someone who loved St George’s, having worked here for many years. He will be missed by everyone he worked with. He was widely respected both inside and outside the hospital – and, as important, a kind and gentle man. His patients felt safe in his hands, and rightly so – he was an example for many others to follow.”