HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the 'hero' doctor who was the first to uncover the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Barrow.

Long-serving rheumatoid specialist Dr William Smith Mitchell dedicated more than 30 years to Furness General Hospital before he sadly died of pulmonary fibrosis.

Dr Mitchell was a beloved husband to Maureen, treasured dad of Val, Caroline, William and David and cherished grandad of Priya, Amelia, Nevaeh, Cerys and William.

Dr Mitchell qualified from Glasgow University in 1977 before becoming a consultant at Furness General Hospital in 1990.

He went on to become a training programme director for rheumatology in Morecambe Bay and became an associate dean at Manchester University in the medical department.

He was also instrumental in bringing the Liverpool Medical School undergraduate students to Morecambe Bay.

One of Dr Mitchell's most prominent achievements was being the first to spot the outbreak of the legionnaires disease at The Forum in 2002. The outbreak, in which seven people died, was ranked the second worst in British history.

Dr Mitchell's daughter, Caroline Biggins, said her dad was 'proud but humble' after identifying the outbreak early on.

"He came home from the hospital and said something wasn't right," she said. "He said there were too many chest infections that had come in and he got up and went straight back to work, even though he wasn't due in. He was definitely top of his game at this time.

"That's the sort of person he was, he was so dedicated."

Dr Mitchell was described by his family as a 'very hands on' dad and a 'loving' person.

"He was very present and always did everything for his four children, wife and grandchildren" Mrs Biggins said.

"His family were his world. He was so loving, caring and supported us with everything we did.

"He always encouraged us to focus on education and imparted that onto his grandchildren. He was passionate about medicine and education.

"He had a desire to become a doctor from the age of four – nothing and no one would have stopped him.

"He was an old school doctor who expected high standards and for the hours to be put in.

"But he always made sure he had time for his patients and colleagues. He never clock-watched: if a patient needed more time, he would give it to them."

Dr Mitchell's son, William, named his son William after his late father – and was the fifth generation of Mitchells to do so.

"I was always waiting for the day to have a boy and when that day came I told dad I would call him William after him. My son's the fifth generation of William Smith Mitchell's which was a tradition dad was so proud of."

Mrs Biggins said their dad's passing will leave a 'huge void' in all their lives.

She said: "There's no words to explain the void we all feel. But we take great comfort in knowing how well loved he was. We've been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cards and flowers - he touched so many people's lives. He's left a great legacy."

Colleagues from Furness General Hospital have also paid heartfelt tributes to Dr Mitchell, describing him as a 'tremendous servant' to the trust.

Medical director Dr Shahedal Bari said: "Dr Mitchell was a well-respected clinician who had given his working life to caring for the local community, supporting staff and colleagues and contributed to training of future doctors.

"His crucial role during Legionella outbreak and significant contribution to rheumatology and general medical over the years was remarkable.

"It was a huge shock to hear the news last week, and we pay tribute to his contribution to local healthcare. My sincere condolence to his family"

Dr Cathy Hay, clinical director FGH medicine and community care group, said: "This sad news has been deeply felt by colleagues at FGH who had the honour and pleasure of working with Dr Mitchell, in some cases for many years.

"He was a tremendous servant to FGH and a person who always made time to support and care for his colleagues and patients. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Dr Mitchell's family is inviting the public to pay their respects safely on the road to Barrow Cemetery at 1.45pm on Tuesday.

Prior to the service, the family is driving by the A&E Department at Furness General Hospital one last time at 1.20pm to allow doctors, nurses and other colleagues to pay their respects.