Dr Yusuf Patel

Message from the family:

"Our father was one of the most compassionate, loving and fun human beings you could ever know. He served his community as a GP for over 30 years, but he was so much more than that; the working day was forever for his patients, but the rest of the time was for everyone else.

To us, he was just ‘dad’, the best father we could have asked for. He enjoyed family holidays, passionately attended West Ham United matches with friends, was the life and soul of every celebration, but equally loved a good snooze and book! His smile was infectious, and we are very proud to be his children; we are who we are because of our incredible parents, and hope to honour him in every aspect of our lives in’sha’Allah. He was a beloved family man to all of his many relatives, a respected member of the community, a trustworthy friend, and a brilliant mentor to so many. We will miss him dearly; this is not just our loss, but one for every heart that he has touched." 

Nasima, Grandma, Rumaysa, Ahmed, Maariyah & Kinza (family cat)

Message from colleagues at Woodgrange Medical Practice:

"Yusuf was a great colleague, a committed leader and well respected in the wider community. He founded and ran a CQC outstanding GP practice in one of the most challenged and deprived boroughs. His last words to us were to carry on the fight against this illness together. We miss him and can’t describe our loss. We won’t let Yusuf down and will continue his legacy. We won’t give up - Yusuf wouldn’t have." 

Dr Parmar, Dr Naqvi & all at the practice

Obituary

Dr Patel started as a single-handed practitioner at Lord Lister Health Centre in 1993. With a growing practice list he took on Dr Parmar in 1996 as a Clinical Assistant. In 1997 when the opportunity arose to purchase 40 Woodgrange Road, an old Midland Bank, he took the plunge despite numerous challenges and converted it into what is currently Woodgrange Medical Practice. In 2000 Dr Parmar joined him as a partner to serve a population of just over 2000 patients. The partners worked hard over the years and the practice flourished. 

The building was developed in 5 separate phases which took sweat, tears and finance; but Dr Patel was passionate about providing excellent medical facilities for the staff and patients.

Dr Naqvi joined the medical staff in 2007 and became a partner in 2016. Together the team received many accolades including: 

• Investors In People
• Royal College of GP's Innovation Award For Child Health
• Diabetes Care Finalists for the Pulse Magazine Awards
• A Teaching Practice for medical students from the Royal London Hospital 
• A Training Practice for Drs to become GPs 
• Outstanding CQC award in 2017

Dr Patel made the surgery a blue chip practice, an innovator and leader amongst peers.

He was a simple, humble, honest man with no extravagances in life. He was the life and soul of any party and great fun to be with. Yet he set an example for all of us with his drive and enthusiasm to achieve the highest standards. He touched thouands of lives with his kindness, generosity and sincerity, serving the local community in Newham. 

He leaves behind a wonderful wife, Nasim, who has been his pillar of strength. He was immensely proud of his 3 children: 2 beautiful daughters, Rumaysa, a medical student at Sheffield University where he had graduated from and Maariya, a veterinary nurse. Ahmed, his son, is now carrying the family responsibilities and works in NHS London. 

Yusuf always wanted the practice to thrive and grow, even when he retired. Sadly, he never saw his retirement, but we promise to carry out his wish and continue his legacy.