Lives Remembered - Dr David Wild
1955 to 18 October 2023
From the Hebden Bridge Group Practice
It is with great sadness that the Wild family announce David passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 18th October.
Born in New Zealand in 1955 he spent over 35 years as a dedicated and tireless GP for the Hebden Bridge Group Practice. David retired in 2015.
Please join his family in celebrating his life, achievements and contribution to the community. The service will be held on Tuesday 7th November at 11.30am at St James' Church, Mytholm. This will be followed by a wake at the Old Gate, Hebden Bridge, at 3pm.
No flowers please. Any donations to Parkinsons UK would be gratefully appreciated. A box will be provided at the service and wake.
For further information please contact Valley Funeral Service, 01422 842683
We will have a Book of Condolence in the reception area at Valley Medical Centre, please share your memories and messages with David's family.
From Robert Garrett
Friday, 1 December 2023
Dr Wild came out on a bitter winter night to see my pregnant wife who was suffering from chronic migraine. I was away and when I returned later that night my wife told me how sympathetic he had been and how that made all the difference to her as we had just moved here and knew noone.
Later in life and another pregnancy he monitored her so that she would not have to go into hospital which the consultant wanted (she was hospital phobic) and she was able after many visits to him to be able to spend the pregnancy at home and only have to go to hospital when her time came. Such empathic care is rare.
In my own case he helped me over a period of mental health problems. He had that gift of really listening to you and letting you speak. You came away calmer and able to cope better than when you came in.
Can't thank him enough on behalf of myself and my family.
From Carol S
Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Dr Wild was simply the best. A kind, caring GP who sat and listened to you. He remembered who you were and your medical background. He might not agree with you when you requested a specific medication or investigation but he explained why so that you could understand. His patience and good listening skills meant that his clinics always seemed to run late - but you didn't mind as you sat in the waiting room because you knew that when you were called in you too would be listened to and allowed to take as long as you needed. I'm not the only person who felt relieved as soon as you knew you'd managed to get an appointment with him. So many of us were very sad when he retired and now his early death brings further sadness. A good man.
From Chris Ratcliffe
Monday, 30 October 2023
Dr Wild was the kind of family doctor we were so lucky to have in Hebden Bridge, and for so many years. In 1988, during what should have been an appointment of 5-10 minutes, he spent nearly an hour with Elaine and myself, persuading us not to to insist on a home birth - because of Elaine's previous history. Would that ever happen now? When our son was young and was suffering from croup, on two different occasions, Dr Wild came out to our home in the evening, having told us on the phone to start boiling kettles and pans for steam. Another time, a few years on, when Elaine was ill, he came out at midnight on a Saturday night. He knew us and we trusted and respected him.
If we're looking for the kind of healthcare we all need, it's a medical centre with doctors modelled on Dr Wild, a doctor who actually knew his patients. It's sad that he didn't have longer to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Thanks so much Dr Wild.