Back to index of Nerve 10 - Spring 2007

Remembering Cyril Taylor
- doctor and community activist

By Sylvia Hikins

When Cyril Taylor died in December 2000, he left behind a legacy of achievement both as a doctor and as a political activist.

Graduating from Liverpool University in 1943, Cyril worked at Alder Hey Hospital, treated wounded soldiers returning from the battlegrounds of Europe, before he too was sent out in 1947 to the Sudan to take charge of the British Medical Hospital in Khartoum.

Three years later, he set up shop in Liverpool 8, where he practised as a single-handed G.P., before moving in 1977 to his pride and joy, the Princes Park Health Centre. Here he could pioneer the concept of NHS Centres that were not only the focus for joined-up primary care teams, but also places that local people could use as a resource. Cyril wrote:

Both as a medical student and later on as a doctor, it had always seemed appropriate for me to be part of the broad struggle to change the unequal society, for one in which every citizen would have an equal opportunity for education, the development of their talents and the right to work for their own benefit and that of society.

Cyril put those words into action, becoming a Labour Councillor for Granby Ward from 1964 -1980, as well as Chair of the Social Services Committee. He was quick to recognise the links between health and inequalities and became involved in housing and rent tribunals, housing co-operatives and disability rights. For Cyril, politics and medicine were the stuff of life and his kindness and generosity were expressed in the unstinting time he gave, both in the care of his patients - many of whom were his friends - and to the social and political causes that he supported.

In 2001, the Cyril Taylor Trust Fund was set up in Cyril's memory. The Trust is a registered charity and it awards small grants to support pupils who either live, or have attended primary or secondary school in Liverpool 8, and who are studying AS/A levels or other relevant qualifications, in order to take up a career in medicine or a health care profession. If you want to know more about its activities, know someone who may benefit from the Trust's support, or make a donation, please e-mail sycy83@hotmail.com or: katygardner@btinternet.com leaving your name and contact address.

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Sorry Comments Closed

Comment left by Simon Watson on 10th November, 2007 at 9:56
I've just come across your article and since Cyril was my godfather I couldnt help responding with one of many fond memories. When I went off to Uni in 1978 my mother thought it would be useful for Cill (as we called him) to 'have a talk with me'. His birds and bees talk went as follows: 'Simon, you probably know more about it than me but just remember the motto: <<use it or lose it>>. And if you're going to use it you may as well have these.' at which point he gave me a condom mountain.. WHat a great man he was....still miss him today. Simon

Comment left by neil lamont on 11th November, 2007 at 13:55
would it not be nice to see this story in the bentley rd health centre most people in the centre no nothing of this gem of a man n lamont

Comment left by mary creighton on 30th October, 2009 at 15:08
well i never ,how wonderful an idea to have this great man of such humane a personality to be rembered in bently rd but also not for the patients only ,but for aspiring schoolchildren to read about him and maybe get inspiration to go into medicne for themselves attend uni and carry on this great mans work.

Comment left by Jennifer Hikins on 9th July, 2010 at 2:18
Thanks Mum, for writing such a lovely piece for our much loved Cyril xxxxx Sylvia's daughter/Cyril's step-daughter Jennifer xxxxxxx

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