Horace Evans, 1st Baron Evans
General physician | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Serving the British royal family |
| Spouse |
Helen Aldwyth Davies
(m. 1929) |
| Parent |
|
Horace Evans, 1st Baron Evans
The son of musician
According to historian Peter Hennessy, Evans was "probably the leading general physician of his generation". However, in 1953, he referred foreign minister Anthony Eden for an operation, from which Eden's health never fully recovered, an operation which has been the subject of much discussion.[1][2]
One of his daughters died in an accident at a young age and both Evans and his wife died in 1963, leaving the barony extinct.
Early life and education
Evans was born and grew up in
Early career
Becoming assistant to the medical unit at the London Hospital by 1929, Evans developed a close connection with
He then gained a wide range of clinical experience by taking up posts in surgery,
The royal physician
Evans continued his career at the London Hospital and became physician to
Evans was part of the team that looked after King George VI during his ill health with lung problems and up until his death.[8]
Evans and Anthony Eden
The gallbladder operation of Anthony Eden in 1953 has prompted much debate.[11] Eden had been unwell with upper abdominal pains since 1945. Frequent attacks of pain requiring strong painkillers and periods of rest prompted more extensive investigations. An X-ray demonstrated gallstones, and Eden being an important politician, the royal physician was called for advice. In light of recurrent biliary tract infections, Evans recommended an operation. Three surgeons were recommended and the ultimate decision, taken by Eden, was that John Basil Hume, surgeon from St Bartholomew's Hospital was to perform the surgery in 1953. Hume had previously performed Eden's appendectomy. It is agreed that the initial operation resulted in biliary tract damage, a complication well recognised at the time, and much corrective surgery was needed later by Richard Cattell, again a recommendation of Evans. That the surgery should be done in the United States was objected to by Winston Churchill, who felt that if the king had his operation on a "kitchen table'," Eden could at least have his in a London hospital, but Evans and Cattell visited them at 10 Downing Street and agreed the transfer abroad.[11][12] During the Suez Crisis, Evans was consulted on numerous occasions by Eden. On Eden's visit to New Zealand in 1957, Evans made notes for doctors should he require medical assistance whilst abroad:[11]
His general health during the past year has been maintained with extensive vitamin therapy—sodium amytal gr 3 and seconal enseal gr 1.5 every night and often a tablet of Drinamyl every morning. These treatments have only become really essential during the past six months. Before his rest in Jamaica the general condition was one of extreme over-strain with general physical nerve exhaustion, and at this time he seemed to be helped by rest, some increase in the sedation and Vitamin B.12 therapy.
Family
Evans married Helen Aldwyth Davies in 1929. She was the daughter of a former High Sheriff of Glamorganshire who spent much of life unwell. The younger of their two daughters died by accidental electrocution.[4][13] Both Helen and Evans died in 1963.[9] He died in October 1963, aged 60, when the barony became extinct.
Personality
Towering and marginally slouched, he wore horn-rimmed glasses and enthused confidence in those who sought his advice, whether patient or colleague. Calm and composed during a crisis, his opinions were highly regarded.[4]
Legacy
Evans will be remembered as one of the most widely known physician names of his time along with Lord Dawson of Penn and Lord Horder.[8]
He has been widely quoted as the "last of the great physicians".[4] In a speech in 1958 he stated:
"Have you noticed how your patients watch you with an intensity rarely given, even to an actress? Every word you utter, every action you make has a special significance for good or ill, which carries an impression perhaps undreamed of. A sick patient is peculiarly sensitive to any word or action which is not completely sincere. The slightest suggestion of any insincerity can create frustration and despair.’"[8]
Many of the controversies may never be solved. Evans was of a time where "patient's secrets went to the grave with them".[11]
Evans was unwell in his later years, requiring major abdominal surgery in 1962. Never fully recovering, he died in 1963 at the age of 60 years.[8]
See also
List of Welsh medical pioneers
References
- ^ Peter Hennessy, Having it So Good: Britain in the Fifties (2007) pp 408-9.
- PMID 14578742.
- ^ "EVANS, HORACE, 1st. BARON EVANS of MERTHYR TYDFIL (1903 - 1963), physician | Dictionary of Welsh Biography".
- ^ a b c d e f "Munks Roll Details for Horace, Baron Evans of Merthyr Tydfil Evans". munksroll.rcplondon.ac.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- ^ Who Was Who, Published by A&C Black Limited. Online edition, 2020
- ^ "The National Library of Wales :: Dictionary of Welsh Biography". yba.llgc.org.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- ^ "Lord Evans of Merthyr Tydfil – Physician to the Queen". The Melting Pot. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
- ^ PMID 24326725.
- ^ a b England, Royal College of Surgeons of. "Evans, Sir Horace, Lord Evans of Merthyr Tydfil - Biographical entry - Plarr's Lives of the Fellows Online". livesonline.rcseng.ac.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- ^ "No. 41116". The London Gazette. 2 July 1957. p. 3964.
- ^ PMID 15879438.
- ^ Kunne, Gabriel (2003). "Anthony Eden's bile duct: portrait of an ailing leader - Documents". Docslide.us. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Sir Horace Evans – The Melting Pot". www.merthyr-history.com. Retrieved 23 December 2017.