Dr Ian Barker

The citation for Dr Ian Barker was given by Dr Charles Stack

Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to give the citation for my good friend and colleague Dr. Ian Barker.

Ian was born in Lancashire but grew up in Sowerby Bridge West Yorkshire. Thus it is appropriate that we are honouring his career here in Leeds today. Ian graduated from Dundee in 1977 and after training in anaesthesia for 5 years in and around Dundee during which time he met Michelle, his wife, he moved to Sheffield for a couple of years in 1982. He’s still here.

He had a year in Perth, Australia and spent a further year at the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital in intensive care with Frank Shann and Bob Ayres. During that year he tells me he was privileged to do one list with Kester Brown.

Ian was appointed as Consultant to Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 1987. His post included intensive care and he was instrumental in setting up the retrieval service and subsequently in developing a specialized paediatric intensive care ambulance.

Ian was very keen on education and supporting trainees. He ran the registrar rota for North Trent for many years, becoming its first training programme director, was Regional Education Adviser from 2002-8 ending as chair of the regional advisers. He was a college examiner for 10 years.

Ian’s contribution to paediatric anaesthesia included firing enthusiasm in the trainees to take up the specialty, leading to a number of consultant appointments around the country and educating all to high standards. For the APA, he edited the paediatric section of the college audit recipe book, took part in Judge Sury’s debates, and has spoken about consultant application process to trainees. He wrote the first curriculum for the College for training in paediatric anaesthesia. He also wrote part of the original APLS manual including on thoracic injuries. He undertook research into practical issues, which interested him such as PONV for bat ear surgery.

Ian always has a slightly mischievous side to him. Often he will not let things be taken too seriously. He took to email like a duck to water frequently making quips when daft emails were sent out. On a more practical note, the cleaner on ICU is still looking for her trolley.

Ian retired about two years ago. He has done some work for the College and on trainees for the GMC and has joined the university of the third age. He repeatedly lets us know it is the best job he’s ever done.

It is my great pleasure to present Dr. Ian Barker for Honorary Membership of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.