THE Swan Hill health industry has led tributes to a respected and popular doctor after his shock death on Tuesday.
Dr Stewart Booth, 71, recently retired as a GP at Swan Hill Medical Group to focus on his health.
As news broke of his death, there was an outpouring of grief from the Swan Hill region, with hundreds recalling “generations of care” in local families.
One of his patients called for a municipal or state funeral, while another suggested the new emergency department be dedicated to Dr Booth.
“Dr Booth’s impact on our community has been profound, leaving an indelible mark through his commitment to quality health care across our wider community,” Swan Hill District Health said in a statement.
Dr Booth was appointed as visiting medical officer at SHDH in 1994, bringing with him skills in surgery, anaesthetics and obstetrics.
“Dr Booth’s passion for providing comprehensive and high-quality health care was evident as he served with dedication and compassion,” SHDH said.
“Dr Booth served as honorary director of obstetrics at SHDH until July 2011, showcasing his expertise in the field of obstetrics and delivering many babies during his long career.”
Dr Booth also provided his services as a GP anaesthetist, making himself available all hours to support emergency care needs as they arose.
A graduate of Melbourne University in 1976, Dr Booth became a fellow of the College of General Practitioners in 1980 and was further recognised when he became a fellow of the College of Rural & Remote Medicine in 1998.
SHDH also acknowledged the “significant” contribution made by Dr Booth to the health and wellbeing of the Sea Lake and Swan Hill during his long tenure as a GP.
“SHDH extends its deepest gratitude to Stewart’s family for his selfless service, expertise, and the countless lives he has touched,” the health service said.
“His legacy of compassionate care and professional excellence will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
A funeral service will be held at Swan Hill Town Hall on Friday, February 2 at 11am, and live streamed at www.swanhillfunerals.com.au/live-stream.
FACEBOOK TRIBUTES
Jana Sarantis: Sad news and a big loss to the community. Very thankful to Dr Booth for his support in the early days of my business, allowing me a room at his clinic and his ongoing support. Will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
Juz Plums: Vale Dr Booth, you were kind to me and mine over our lives. Thank you for your care of me as a child, as an adult and for the wise (and sometimes very straightforward) advice and guidance in my role as carer. It was appreciated, so needed and always gratefully received. I’d have liked to have seen you again, I’m sorry to have missed that opportunity. My sympathy and warm thoughts to the Booth family.
Bec Delmenico: Deepest sympathies to Stewart’s family. A privilege to have had four generations of care provided by him to our family. A highly respected doctor who my grandmother worked alongside, to then ensuring both my grandparents had the best care in their later stages of life. Delivering my parents’ four babies. This was not an uncommon theme for a wonderful family doctor. My private practice wouldn’t be where it is today if I didn’t have Stewart as my biggest supporter in those early days. Thank you, Stewart. Your impact was so great. May you now be at peace.
Tiarnee Hall: Thank you Stewart for all the care you have given to our family for the past 10 years. You certainly made a massive difference to our lives. The care you gave to Matt Hall and I during our toughest times is something we will remember forever. We are forever grateful.
Jaime R Smyth: RIP Dr Booth. Delivered my girls and saved our lives twice. We are all here today because of him. He was kind to my mother also during this time, writing scripts for her in the hospital hallway so she didn’t have to travel home 200km to get her own medications, letting her head straight to Melbourne, when we got airlifted to Melbourne. Forever grateful!
Cherry Johnson: A great doctor who had a lot of compassion for everyone in general, but particularly the elderly at Alcheringa.
Carrie-Ann Robins: RIP Dr Booth. It will be hard to find a family in this area that hasn’t had the privilege of his care and expertise over many years. It was so shocking and sad to hear of his passing. It will be felt by many.
Belinda Murchie: An absolute privilege to work for Stewart for 8.5 years. Such a kind and caring man. Deepest condolences to Gaye and family at such a heartbreaking time.
