Obituary: Family's tribute to hospital consultant Alec Black

During the 1990s, Alec Black helped steer the location of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, then called "Norwich 2", to Colney. 

It came after the local health authority was granted permission to amalgamate two hospitals – the former Norfolk and Norwich (N&N) in the city centre and the West Norwich in Earlham – and build a new site in Hellesdon, north of the city. 

Colleagues approached Mr Black, then the chair of the consultant staff committee, and convinced him that the new location was a mistake.  

Mr Black agreed but there were many hurdles to clear, including navigating pressure from former cabinet minister, John MacGregor, who said the idea "didn’t have a chance". 

Mr Black was eventually able to lead a team, bringing together the different arguments for Colney, and was ultimately successful.

Alec Black (Image: Black family)

Alexander John Black was born in Birmingham on March 3, 1934, to William and Hannah Black. 

He came from a working-class background and spent his childhood on a council estate in Cambridge with his brothers, Charlie and Peter. 

As a child, it was clear that a young Alec was academically gifted, excelling at his 11-plus examinations and joining the local grammar school.

In 1952, he won a scholarship to study natural sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge, before completing a medical degree.

He was the first person in his family to go to any university, and while there he became a rowing stroke in the first boat during the 1955 Lent bumping races. This is a traditional competition where boats compete by bumping into the boat in front of them. 

In 1956, his crew competed in the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Regatta where they beat the British Olympic eight, causing "a big upset" in the world of British rowing. 

Alec finished his medical degree in 1959 before completing his junior doctor training.

Alec Black (Image: Black family)

He was called up for National Service and served in the Army for three years, reaching the rank of Regimental Medical Officer in 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment.  

In 1964, he began haematology speciality training at St Thomas Hospital, London, as a registrar. 

During this time, he took a pint of blood from a nurse who had volunteered to donate to a patient bleeding post-operatively. The nurse, Alison Butters, returned the next day with a large bruise on her arm. Following a friendly disagreement, the pair went for a drink.

After a few months, Mr Black asked her to marry him and they eventually did at St George’s Church in Swallow Beck, Lincoln, on June 4, 1966. 

Following his time at St Thomas’, he secured a newly created post as a consultant in the fledgeling haematology department at the N&N. While there, he investigated a new strain of haemophilia with support from Oxford researchers. It became identified and named Haemophilia B Norwich.

Later, with colleagues, he established a charity in aid of those with blood disorders and pushed for individuals expecting the need for blood transfusions to provide their own in advance. This was largely a result of the blood contamination scandal of the 1970s and onwards.

Alec Black loved his garden (Image: Black family)

He loved gardening and playing the piano, and in retirement took up wood carving and French lessons.

Following a heart attack in 2017, his health deteriorated. He had many mini-strokes, scoliosis, chronic arthritis and the pre-leukaemia condition Mylodisplasia.  

Son Thomas said: “He was quiet, understated, and was never interested in self-promotion or what other people thought of him. As an adult, I am still reflecting on the lessons I can learn from him.”

Mr Black died at home on September 1, 2022. He leaves behind his wife, four children and grandchildren. His funeral took place on September 22. 

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