In Memoriam: Andrew Sprowson
The University was very sad to learn that Andrew Sprowson died in road traffic accident near his home in Kenilworth, on Friday 13 March 2015.
Andy was an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School and a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW). He had a special interest in hip and knee replacement and a particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with infections around previous knee replacements.
Andy joined the University in April 2012, having completed his orthopaedic training in Newcastle and Middlesbrough, and spent a year in Sydney studying specialist techniques in knee surgery. He immediately began to establish himself as a clinician and researcher, developing and implementing new techniques in hip and knee replacement. He worked with a wide group of colleagues across the University, from his clinical academic colleagues, to engineers and microbiologists, to methodologists and statisticians in the Clinical Trials Unit. His current trials are exploring how to diagnose infection and testing new ways to control pain during hip and knee replacement. He inspired and taught young doctors and researchers alike, and helped to lead the Masters course in orthopaedic surgery.
He was well known across the country and was regularly a speaker at national and international meetings, selected to travel around the world as a talented orthopaedic leader to represent the British Orthopaedic Research Society. He was travelling to a meeting to represent the hospital when he died. His colleague and Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Damian Griffin said,
He was on his way to Glasgow to learn about an innovative way to organise clinics, and bring those ideas back to UHCW. This was typical of his determination to make orthopaedic surgery in UHCW and at Warwick as good as it could possibly be. Everyone uses the term 'larger than life' to describe Andy. He was an exceptionally enthusiastic, bubbly character, who loved to work hard and make new and exciting things happen. We will miss him terribly."
Martin Underwood Director of Warwick Medical School, Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), said,
Many of us are in shock and deeply upset about Andy’s death. He was a very valued colleague who I very much enjoyed working with; he will be missed by everyone in CTU, particularly by those who he worked with closely. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."
Sudhesh Kumar, Dean of Medicine, said,
Andy’s sudden death is a devastating loss to the both Warwick Medical School and University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. His hard work and determination made a great impact on both organisations, colleagues and patients. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew and worked with him."
Share your thoughts and memories of Andrew on the Warwick Medical School website.
A book of condolence will also be circulated; details will be added here when available.
The Andy Sprowson Fellowship
Andy was an orthopaedic surgeon and a scientist, as well as a very much-loved husband, father and friend. He touched the lives of a huge variety of people, always trying to do his very best for them. Many of these people have looked for a way to provide a lasting legacy to Andy’s enthusiasm and achievements.
His wife Louise, supported by colleagues at the University Hospital and at Warwick Medical School, has established a fund for a memorial fellowship. The plan is to award a fellowship every year to a young orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist or nurse who will learn something new or do some research that will help to improve the care of orthopaedic patients.
Louise also plans to donate a part of the fund to Brake, the road safety charity who have provided great support to her and her family since Andy’s accident.