Tributes paid to popular hospital doctor

Dr Mike Massam spent 23 years at South Tyneside District Hospital working as a consultant paediatrician in its special care baby unit.

He was also a medical officer with the Territorial Army and served on tours of duty in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He retired in 2009 from both the hospital and the TA,

Dr Massam was discovered at his home in Mariner’s Cottages, South Shields, on November 14, aged 67.

As yet, the cause of his death is unexplained.

A funeral service will take place for Dr Massam at noon on Wednesday at Whitburn Parish Church, followed by a service at South Shields Crematorium at 1pm.

Tributes for the popular doctor, who touched so many families with his kindness, have been flooding in.

Lynne Smith said: “How sad I’ve known Dr Massam 29 years he saved our Samantha’s life. A lovely man RIP.”

Denny Symington posted: “An ambassador to the medical profession. Both Dr Massam and Dr Taylor diagnosed Cystic Fibrosis to my daughter 30 years ago. Their words of wisdom saw us through some difficult times.”

Ashleigh Peril Weir Smith said: “A perfect description gazette, in all the time I knew him, he was the most colourful and kind character. A total, unforgettable one off of a character.

“He spent most of his life making a huge difference to so many of us. It was such a shock to hear. You’ll never be forgotten Dr Massam.”

Phil Doneghan wrote: “He treated me for migraines when I was just a boy. Champion among men. RIP.”