A Fond Tribute to Dr Michael Ward OBE KStJ

Jackie Jaidy pays tribute. 

Friends and colleagues of Dr David Michael Ward were saddened by the news of his passing on New Year’s Day. 

As the Warden of the hospital for five years from 1990 to1995, his leadership inspired confidence and trust at one of the most difficult periods in its history.  During the first Gulf War, when Scud missiles whizzing overhead were a regular occurrence several times a day, Michael’s sense of humour encouraged everyone. 

The most difficult part was the fear of gas from the missiles and everyone had to have a sealed room that should have no outside wall or window.  In the Warden’s house this was the bathroom, so each time the siren went off, Michael and his wife Sonia went off to their bathroom until the radio had announced that everyone could come out.  Of course, the announcement was in Arabic or Hebrew so Michael and Sonia relied on hospital staff to phone and tell them when it was safe.  On one occasion the staff forgot and they were left sitting in their bathroom for half an hour until they gingerly ran to the phone and asked if it was safe to come out…

Michael was born and raised in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and did his medical training at Birmingham Medical School.  He also worked in Sheffield and at Bristol Eye Hospital, where he met Sonia.  They married in 1963 and spent a year in Jamaica, where their daughter, Joanna was born.

Upon their return to Sheffield, they then moved to Torquay in Devon, where Michael was Consultant Ophthalmologist at Torbay Hospital for 25 years.

Michael always said that the highlight of his career was his time in Jerusalem, where he was well known for his love of the hospital garden.  When he retired, Michael achieved a Diploma with Distinction from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and later an Advanced Diploma, which he said were more taxing on his brain than any of his medical training!

Michael and Sonia are remembered for their kindly and friendly approach to all the hospital staff.  Well known in the local community, they ensured the reputation of the hospital remained in high esteem both in Jerusalem and abroad.

Michael was awarded the OBE and was made Knight of the Order of St John in 1995.

Mrs Jacqueline Jaidy
Hospital Matron 1996 - 2009