GP killed in Harley-Davidson crash tragedy

03 Apr 08

Dr Kathy Phipps and her husband were killed after a vehicle hit their Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Dr Phipps was a GP at Woodgrove Surgery in Wath-Upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire. Her husband, Dr Walter Rhoden, was a senior heart specialist at Barnsley General Hospital.

Dr Phipps was a member of the RCGP Adolescent Task Group, a GP trainer and member of the Association for Young People's Health. Dr Dick Churchill, acting chair of the RCGP Adolescent Task Group said they were ‘shocked and saddened‘ by the sudden death of Dr Phipps and her husband.

‘Kathy was a dynamic, enthusiastic member of the group who was passionate about her work. As well as being a busy GP, she was very committed to improving the health of young people. She will be sadly missed by all those who worked with her. Our condolences go to her family, including her three children,’ he said.

A tribute from Dr Phipps’ practice said she would be remembered for her enthusiasm, generosity and sense of humour.

‘Kathy’s death is not only a great loss for our practice and patients, but for the wider healthcare community in Barnsley too, who have lost a very talented GP,’ read the statement.

The family have set up a memorial website, where messages of condolence and charity donations can be made in Dr Phipps and Dr Rhoden memory (see right).