Responding to the news that former BMA representative body chair Dr Anthea Mowat has passed away, Professor Philip Banfield, chair of BMA council, said:

“We are extremely saddened to hear the news of Anthea’s death and we are sure that the profession will want to join us in sending our deepest condolences to her family.

“Through her work within the BMA, Anthea was a dedicated representative for - and servant to - her fellow doctors, most recently serving as chair of the representative body. Just weeks ago, we held our Annual Representative Meeting in Liverpool – the conference that Anthea used to chair with great enthusiasm and expertise – and we noted with sadness that this year she was too unwell to attend.

“During her time at the BMA, Anthea held a long list of local and national positions. She cared deeply about equalities and representation, taking on a leading role in the BMA’s equality, diversity and inclusion work and was passionate about the vital role women doctors contribute to the NHS.

“She was instrumental in speaking up for SAS doctors – themselves a traditionally under-represented group – and negotiated on behalf of them locally and later nationally in various roles within the BMA’s SAS committee.

“Her commitment to the profession was matched in her care for patients and dedication to the NHS during her long career, during which time she taught doctors on a variety of topics for the benefit of the future workforce.

“Anthea was unusually kind and welcoming in the medico-political world that she has helped to change the face of. She was diplomatic and incredibly knowledgeable, and her death is an enormous loss to the medical profession and to those she inspired to ‘have a go’.  She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.”

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.