FRIENDS and former colleagues of a pioneering GP, who has died aged 78, have described him as a compassionate and visionary doctor who played a key role in revolutionising patient care.

Dr Harry Dawes practised in the Bishop Auckland area for nearly 40 years.

He arrived from the Army at a two-man surgery in Close House in 1949 and retired in 1988 as head of a flourishing group practice in Escomb Road.

It was his foresight that, in 1966, led him and three partners to free themselves from the traditional pattern of short morning and evening surgeries and days filled with home visits.

Dr Dawes realised he could see more patients and offer a better service by joining up with other GPs to offer all-day surgeries with an appointment system.

He was pilloried in the press, but prevailed with the backing of the then MP, Jim Boyden.

Former partner Dr Ian Lloyd said: "He was determined to modernise an outdated system and faced a lot of opposition along the way.

"He knew that by having proper staff and keeping proper patient records, treatment would improve.

"He was an extremely kind man with a tremendous sense of humility and an extremely good doctor."

After he retired, Dr Dawes channelled his energies into realising a long-held dream of establishing a hospice in Bishop Auckland.

He was proud to meet Prince Charles at the opening of what became The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland in 1996.

Dr Dawes leaves a wife Brenda, six daughters and a son. His youngest daughter Jayne said: "We were very privileged to have had him as a father. He loved us all unconditionally."

A funeral service is being held at 10.45am today in St Andrew's Church, South Church