Doctor’s orders

A RETIRED GP who helped to develop training for family doctors in Gaza and the West Bank is urging Oldhamers to help victims of the Middle East conflict.

Oxfam volunteer Stewart Bailey is supporting the UK aid appeal to help the those who urgently need food, water, medicines and shelter in Gaza.

And he said that any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference.

Dr Bailey (65), from Royton, was a GP in Oldham for more than 30 years, working at the Block Lane Surgery in Chadderton before he retired in 2007. Over the last 20 years, he has been involved in post-graduate training and in the early 1990s worked with the Royal College of General Practitioners in Kuwait.

Between 1995 and 1998 he made three visits to Gaza and the West Bank to develop training for family doctors with the Royal College and Medical Aid to Palestine.

He said: “When I went there I was struck by how friendly the people were and how hopeful they were of developing their economy.

They saw this as a way of moving away from some of the conditions they had been living in for years.

“There was a big emphasis on education as a way out of deprivation. I saw a lot of hope, it was an exciting time.

“The Palestinians were starting to rebuild their economy but there were still refugee camps and some of the basic infrastructure we take for granted, such as ready access to water and ready access to schools, was difficult.

“But it was a place I could walk home at midnight and feel safe.

“I met with non-governmental organisations and was impressed with their expertise, patience and perseverance in what were often difficult circumstances.

“I saw how they worked to ensure that aid went to those in the greatest need.”

As a Quaker, when Dr Bailey retired he decided to continue to live out his faith’s testimonies — truth and integrity; peace and sustainability; simplicity; and equality.

His wife, Elizabeth, has been involved with Oxfam since she was a teenager and has visited the Philippines to see the charity’s work first-hand.

He decided to volunteer at the Oxfam shop in Yorkshire Street where he looks after the music section. He explained: “It appealed to my thoughts about recycling.

“I knew Oxfam was working in Gaza, South Israel and the West Bank.”

The grandfather also became involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers through Oldham Unity.

The non-political disaster emergencies committee, Gaza Crisis Appeal, has been launched by 13 humanitarian aid agencies following the conflict.

Dr Bailey added: “They are the professionals on the ground.

“If they say there is an urgent need, then I trust their judgement.

“They are attending to the short-term needs — food, water and hygiene — they are not trying to rebuild Gaza.

“As a Quaker, I am committed to peace. I know conflict always leads to suffering, usually that of the most vulnerable, usually women and children.”

Oldhamers can support the Gaza crisis appeal by handing in donations over the counter at the Oxfam shop or online at www.dec. org.uk. Alternatively, call 0370- 6060 900.