Farewell to pioneering Wigan surgeon

Mourners at the service at Wigan Crematorium include the Mayor of Wigan Coun Steve Dawber.

Coun Dawber also paid tribute to her following her recent death at the latest full council meeting and on Monday the town hall flags were flying at half mast as a mark of respect.

At one time Miss Fussell, who died on November 23 aged 91, was one of just six female surgeons in the country.

She was accepted to read medicine at Birmingham University aged just 17 and came to Wigan in 1970 to become consultant surgeon general.

She went on to perform a series of top NHS roles, including chairing the medical executive committee and the area medical committee.

Her career and her determination to break down barriers for women in medicine was recognised in 2000 by Wigan Council when she was made a freeman of the borough.

She was also awarded a star on Believe Square earlier this year.

Following her retirement in 1990 she continued to give back to the borough by volunteering with Wigan and Leigh Archives and Local Studies.

She was also a long-standing member of the Soroptimists.

Leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux, said: “Everyone here at Wigan Council is deeply saddened to hear of Dr Kate Fussell’s passing, she was an incredible person who made a difference to so many peoples’ lives, something that we can all only hope to do with our own.

“As Wigan’s first female surgeon, Dr Fussell will no doubt be fondly remembered by so many people for the positive impact she had and earlier this year it was fantastic to honour her life by unveiling a star on Believe Square with her name.

“She joined an illustrious list of people from Wigan borough who will have their names forever imprinted within the fabric of the town and the star is a fitting tribute for all she has done in breaking down barriers and stereotypes and inspiring young girls to follow in her footsteps.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

A statement from Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust chief executive Silas Nicholls and chairman Robert Armstrong said: "Everyone at WWL

was deeply saddened to hear about the recent passing of our much respected and admired retired colleague, Dr Kate Fussell.

“WWL was both honoured and proud to have Dr Fussell join the Trust as a Consultant Surgeon in 1970; becoming the first female surgeon to carry out operations in our Wigan hospital theatres – and at the time only one of six in the country.

“The determination that Dr Fussell had to break down barriers led to a lifetime of achievements, which were not only impressive, but paved the way for future female surgeons.

“The difference Dr Fussell made is something we should all strive for and we were so pleased to hear that her incredible career was recognised earlier this year by a star with her name unveiled in Believe Square.

“The flag on the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary site was lowered to half-mast on the day of Kate’s funeral as a mark of respect from all at WWL.

“With sadness in our hearts, our deepest condolences are sent to all colleagues, friends and family of Kate.”

Funeral celebrant Alison Sandham led the service.

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