TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the country’s top knee surgeons who died after his car left the A46 and crashed into a tree.
Andrew Sprowson – an orthopaedic surgeon and trauma consultant from Kenilworth – was travelling to a hospital meeting in Glasgow when his car hit a tree close to the junction with the A452 just after 5am on Friday (March 13).
The 40-year-old, who worked at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) and Warwick Medical School since 2012, was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency services.
Andy Hardy, UHCW Chief Executive Officer, said: “Many of us are in shock and deeply upset about Andy’s death. He was a very charismatic character whose loss will leave a big gap within the orthopaedic department. For everyone who worked with, cared about and loved Andy, we can only imagine how devastating this news is. We are all going to miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Along with his position at UHCW, Mr Sprowson was also a Professor of Orthopaedic surgery at Warwick Medical School, where he developed new techniques in hip and knee replacement.
He had recently been chosen to travel the world and represent the British Orthopaedic Research Society.
Fellow colleague Professor 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.”
Sudhesh Kumar, Warwick Dean of Medicine said: “Andy’s sudden death is a devastating loss to the both Warwick Medical School and UHCW. 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.”
