Hospital building named after F1’s Prof Sid Watkins

A neurosurgeon from Liverpool who was at the forefront of Formula 1 safety for more than 30 years, has been given a permanent tribute in the naming of a new Merseyside hospital building. 

 

At the invitation of F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone, Professor Sid Watkins expanded on safety improvements begun by motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart so that today, death at an F1 circuit has been all but eliminated.  

Professor Watkins has now been recognised by specialist neuroscience hospital The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, with the naming of the Sid Watkins Building. The new three-storey building which will open in January 2015, will house the Trust’s complex rehabilitation unit; pain management programme and medical training facilities; and Mersey Care’s brain injuries unit.

The naming has been welcomed by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, who said: “Professor Sid Watkins was one of the greatest men of medicine that I have ever encountered.  His dedication to constantly finding new ways of doing things, to give people another chance to enjoy life, was a huge asset to both the world of medicine and to those who were fortunate enough to have his help and talent to provide life. 

“Professor Watkins’ contribution to saving the lives of many people in motorsport will never be forgotten and it’s absolutely appropriate that this new development will assist in ensuring that Professor Sid Watkins will be remembered forever, by the naming of this excellent facility in his honour.”

Mrs Susan Watkins said: “My husband would have been proud to know that his name has been attached to this rehabilitation facility, both its calibre and scope reflect his own attitudes to patient care, and his concern for the ongoing needs of those who suffer from neurological diseases and injuries requiring long-term treatment.   In this way it is a reflection of his life's work and, in a sense, brings him home to his roots in Liverpool.”

Professor Sid Watkins was an innovative surgeon who pioneered several frontiers in his specialty, including brain and spine stimulation, the surgery of pain and Parkinson's disease, as well as trauma. 

He was also fundamental to the development of the Royal London Hospital's helicopter emergency service and the first emergency brain scanning unit, both of which were subsequently mirrored at other major hospitals.

In parallel with his prodigious medical career was his work in Formula 1 where he radically improved not only the safety of the sport but also established methods by which sport around the world tackles risk.  He did so by working with individuals from various disciplines and by a sustained effort over several decades. 

Outside Formula 1 his work continues to deliver safety benefits in sporting activities as wide ranging as horse trials and rally car events, and his leadership in safety research has ultimately led to changes in the design of all cars.

The neurosurgeon was a close friend of the three-times F1 World Champion, Aytron Senna. Following Senna's death in 1994, Professor Watkins was appointed Chairman of the FIA Expert Advisory Safety Committee and ultimately became President of the FIA Institute of Motor Sport Safety, a role that allowed him to guide research in the design of racing cars and circuits as well as drivers' equipment - among other innovations - all with the aim of improving safety. 

He initiated trackside medical care at every F1 race and in testing, along with providing state-of-the-art medical buildings and equipment. In addition, a corp of medical and surgical experts were incorporated into Watkins’ safety concept, so that injured drivers, circuit personnel and even spectators now receive the best possible medical care at circuits around the globe.

The Walton Centre’s Chief Executive Chris Harrop said: “The idea to name this building after Professor Watkins has the full support of our doctors and I am delighted that Mrs Susan Watkins, has allowed us to recognise her husband in this way.

“He is a legendary figure and inspirational to doctors here and around the world. It is very fitting that our new building is providing fabulous facilities for patients recovering from brain injuries and illness; and for training junior doctors aspiring to be the next Professor Watkins.”

In association with the naming of the new building the hospital has also launched a 'Sid Watkins Fund' to support innovation and enhancements in the diagnosis, treatment and care of neurological injuries and illnesses.

Professor Sid Watkins - key dates:

Born: 6 September 1928 in Liverpool

1952 - Graduated from Liverpool University

1978 – Bernie Ecclestone offered him the job as F1 race doctor

1981 – Elected president of F1 medical commission

1992 – He was a founding member of Brain and Spine Foundation

1994 – Appointed Chairman of FIA Expert Advisory Safety Committee

1994 – Performed lifesaving trackside surgery on Mikka Hakkinen

2002 – Awarded the OBE

2004 – Became president of the FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety

2005 – Stepped down from various FIA medical positions

2011 – Stepped down as head of FIA Institute

12 September 2012 – Professor Sid Watkins died

 

The Sid Watkins Building has been built by Interserve, an international support services and construction group.