My father, John Winkler, who has died aged 92, was among the first National Health Service general practitioners in Britain, and remained a dedicated family doctor until well into his 80s.
The NHS was launched in 1948, and two years later he set up his own practice in Pimlico, London, which he ran single-handedly for more than 40 years. Until quite late in his career John was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and he even gave patients his home telephone number. In addition, he ran a child welfare clinic, was a school doctor and was interested in psychiatry. Throughout his working life he took a deep interest in his patients, always asking questions and giving advice about their welfare, education and work. John didn’t just look into his patients’ medicine cupboards – he looked inside their fridges, and persevered with their health problems until he found both a cause and a solution.
Born in the East End of London to Harry, a businessman in the clothing trade and, later, property, and Bessie (nee Baron), John went to the Grocers’ Company’s school (now Hackney Downs school). As a teenager, he was involved in protests against the antisemitism of Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists blackshirts, which often led to clashes.
He studied medicine and got his first post at the Royal London hospital. From 1948 to 1950 he served in the RAF as a medical officer, and then became a GP.
After semi-retirement in 1991, John studied the arts with the Open University and attended a creative writing class at which he wrote poetry. He enjoyed music, both classical and jazz, and took a special interest in psychology and philosophy, researching and making notes throughout his life. A witty man who followed his instincts, he never stopped learning and imparting what he had learned, sending his family informative notes and advice.
He is survived by his wife, Fay (nee Gould), whom he married in 1945, his daughters, Philippa, Elisabeth and me, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.