Dr Royle's House

Quick walk before heading back up north.

No pictures of Mum in hospital, but ask anyone if they want a snap of them in the ward and I think we all know the answer to that one.

This was the house of our family GP a lovely man in the great tradition of a sound family doctor and steadying anchor.

My Mum had terrible morning sickness when carrying me, chronic and painful.
She went to Doctor Royle to get some treatment, a new drug called Thalidomide.
He said 'Not been tested don't trust it, I will not prescribe this drug'.
Mum went away hating him for not easing the daily, timed pain.

Years have passed and Dad was unable to attend Dr. Royle's funeral, he was taking my Uncle Bert for a hospital appointment.
Whilst waiting he got into conversation about the funeral, and the thalidomide with a woman next to him.

"Yes my mother took that, but her doctor took her off it, thank goodness, as she lifted her left hand the ends of two fingers missing.

Thank you Dr. Royle, thank you Mum.