TRIBUTE has been paid to a well-known community doctor who has died following a short illness.

Dr Simon Fisher, who ran Coniston Medical Practice with his wife Dr Katharina Frey for 14 years, died on December 10 ‘surrounded by his loved ones’.

Dr Geoff Jolliffe, clinical chair at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), paid tribute to the doctor and said he will be ‘greatly missed’ by colleagues and patients alike.

“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dr Simon Fisher, GP partner at Coniston Medical Practice,” said Dr Jolliffe.

“Dr Fisher passed away on Friday, December 10 surrounded by his loved ones after a short illness.

“He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, patients and everyone who knew him within the local community.

“Coniston Medical Practice at Wraysdale House has been run by Dr Fisher and his wife, Dr Katharina Frey, for 14 years.”

Dr Jolliffe said Dr Frey will now take short term leave and reassured patients that services will continue.

He said: “Dr Frey will be taking short term leave during this difficult time but will be overseeing the practice remotely.

“We’d like to reassure patients that medical cover is in place at the GP practice and the CCG is supporting the practice and staff to ensure services remain accessible.

“At this very upsetting time for Dr Fisher’s loved ones, we’d like to ask that their privacy be respected.”

Morecambe Bay CCG confirmed that Dr Fisher’s death was not related to Covid-19.