Heartbreaking tributes to gp 'who really listened'

GP PRACTICE SAID DR WEST'S PASSING 'LEAVES A GREAT HOLE' AND HAS HONOURED HER LIFE'S WORK WITH A MEMORIAL CEREMONY 13:41, 22 May 2025 Heartbreaking tributes have been

paid to a Merseyside GP who was an an 'exceptional doctor and a beloved friend'. Dr Gillian West, 43, was a partner and GP at Millbrook Medical Centre in Kirkby, but died in

October last year following a short illness. To honour her life, Dr West's family and colleagues organised a memorial event at the practice recently where they planted a magnolia tree

and installed a commemorative bench in tribute to the impact she had on people's lives. Claire Gould is the practice manager at Millbrook Medical Centre and worked with Dr West for

three years. She said: "The impact of Dr West's passing has been very profound. I didn't realise how much it was going to affect me personally, but it really did hit me hard.

"She meant so much to me and so many others and I really appreciate everything she did for me. "It greatly affected the partners, because they've known her for a long, long

time. I think everybody just went into shock, because it was very sudden. But obviously you've got to try and carry on, especially for the patients. "Lots of patients couldn't

believe it and were in shock that she'd gone as many didn't know she was ill. "She is going to be a massive loss, because all the patients said that she gave them the time

they needed and always listened to them. Dr West made a real difference to patients lives." Millbrook announced Dr West's passing on its Facebook page on October 28 and the post

was met with an outpouring of grief and support. More than a hundred comments were published with some detailing what Dr West meant to them personally. Becky T New wrote: "Heartbroken.

If it wasn't for Dr West I wouldn't be here. She recognised that I had a massive infection in my reproductive system and saved me by referring me to a gynaecologist at A&E when

no one else spotted anything. I had sepsis. Truly a loss." Michelle McColgan added: "Devastating news. Dr West was a true ambassador of female health. Recognising, diagnosing and

supporting patients for many years. She was so easy to talk to and she listened. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family, friends colleagues and all that knew her. She was an

amazing lady and Doctor. God bless you." Paul Weaver commented: "Dr West you don't know how much you have saved my life. I may not of been here if it wasn't for you

spending so much time with me. Each time someone died in my family you have been one special person who will hold a place in my heart. Rest peaceful." Jodie Jane also offered her

thanks: "So sad, she was one of the only ones that listened to me regarding my daughter's health. If is wasn't for her she wouldn't be here. Rest in peace Dr West and

thanks for all your support and help." These were sentiments shared and acknowledged by everyone at the Millbrook practice, with Ms Gould noting that Dr West was a 'champion'

for women's health - an issue she worked on right up until her death. Ms Gould confirmed that Millbrook will carry on Dr West's work on women's health and is actively working

with local practices to get new provision up and running. In addition to the tree-planting tribute, the practice also installed a memorial bench with a tribute plaque: "In loving memory

of Dr Gill West, Beloved friend and colleague, Missed by all." Article continues below Ms Gould added: "We wanted something that would last because we didn't want her memory

to fade. We just thought it'd be nice to have an area where people could sit and have a little bit of thinking time and reflect. "We've also got our clinical area and we

decided to call it 'The West Wing', because we thought she'd find that really funny and we invited her parents to open it and that was lovely."