A popular GP has died in a paddleboarding accident in Scotland’s fastest flowing river.
Dr. Julia Hamilton, 57, lost her life after getting into difficulty on the River Spey, near Aviemore.
The married mother of two was a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth.
Patients and staff yesterday told of their devastation at her death as they paid tribute to a ‘much-loved colleague and friend who was dedicated to the care of her patients’.
The practice of Dr. Hamilton, an avid outdoor enthusiast, said in a statement: “Her family has found great comfort in the fact that she passed away doing something she loved in a place that was very special to her.”
Dr. Julia Hamilton, 57, was a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth
It is unclear how Dr Hamilton got into trouble, but patients who logged onto the GP practices’ website yesterday were informed of the tragic news.
In a statement, the practice said: ‘We as a practice are deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic sudden death of our senior partner, Dr Julia Hamilton, on Friday 31 May following a paddleboarding accident on the River Spey. .
‘Dr. Hamilton had been a partner in the practice since 1994 and was a beloved colleague and friend who was passionately committed to the care of our patients.’
In the statement, the employees said they were “mourning a much-loved colleague and friend” and urged patents for their understanding as they “navigate this difficult time together.”
Dr. Hamilton was born in Northern Ireland and studied medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast.
She had been a clerk at the Perthshire practice and joined the Whitefriars Street practice as a partner in 1994.
Dr. Hamilton was the clinical lead for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and prescribing.
The senior doctor, together with another general practitioner from the practice, supervised fourth-year medical students in the practice.
After graduating from Queen’s University in 1990, her online biography said she was married with two children.
She enjoyed outdoor activities such as running and skiing.
Like her colleagues, patients of the respected doctor have paid tribute to the ‘one in a trillion’ doctor.
Emma Ferguson said Dr Hamilton was a ‘GP like no other and in my eyes will always be remembered for her unique sense of humour, especially her compassion for me as her patient in her practice when I really needed her and my residents when I am a care home manager.
Mrs Ferguson said: ‘To say I am shocked is an understatement, I am completely numb and it feels like a dream.
“One thing I am left with is such wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.”
And Beth Arfaoui said Dr. Hamilton “always went above and beyond.”
She added: ‘My heart goes out to all her family and friends, including her colleagues at the Green Practice.’
The River Spey, near Aviemore in the Cairngorms, where the tragedy occurred
Just before noon on Friday there was a huge emergency response after Dr. Hamilton got into trouble while paddle boarding on a section of the River Spey.
Police, ambulance and fire brigade were called to the scene, just south of Aviemore near the Kinrara estate, but despite their efforts Dr died. Hamilton on the spot.
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, said yesterday: ‘I am terribly sorry to read this news and send my condolences to Dr Hamilton’s family, colleagues and patients.’
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘At around 11.45am on Friday, May 31, we were called to a report of concerns about a woman on a paddleboard in the River Spey, near Aviemore.
‘Emergency services arrived on the scene, but the 57-year-old woman died on the spot.
“It is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances and investigations are ongoing.”
Whitefriars Green Practice said that from today there will be a book of condolence in reception for patients who wish to leave messages.
The spokesperson said: ‘We know this will be of great comfort to her family.’
