Dr Mumtaz Hayat: 

b 1964; q1987 Punjab University, Pakistan. FRCP. Died suddenly on 29th August 2026

Mumtaz was born in Lahore, Pakistan on 12 April 1964. He undertook medical studies and his early clinical career in the Punjab. After moving to England in 1993, he embarked on specialty training in gastroenterology on the Yorkshire rotation. During this period, he worked for Professor Tony Axon and came under the mentorship of Professor Asif Naqvi in Grimsby.

In 2001, he was appointed as a Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist in Northumbria, based primarily at North Tyneside General Hospital in North Shields. During his career, he served as lead colonoscopist for the North of Tyne Bowel Cancer Screening Service, Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology, Chair of the Local Negotiating Committee and built a large private practice.

Whilst very much fitting the Northumbria mould of being a general physician and all-round gastroenterologist and endoscopist, he also developed a deep expertise in therapeutic endoscopy. He was a highly experienced ERCP practitioner and a widely respected colonoscopist, with extensive experience in advanced polypectomy and one of the largest series of endoscopic full thickness resections in the country.

Mumtaz was always seeking to improve his knowledge and refine his endoscopic skills. He was always on the lookout for a new technique or innovative equipment. This wasn't driven by ego or competitiveness, but by a strong commitment to do his best for his patients. He wanted his patients in Northumbria to receive the same high quality of care as they would if they had walked into any of the great medical centres internationally.

His commitment to his patients often extended beyond the call of duty, He would never hesitate to come in to the hospital on a day off if an emergency colonic stent or ERCP was required. His patients and colleagues will remember him for being immaculately well dressed, exquisitely scented and always willing to help, with his calm manner and reassuring smile.

Mumtaz was a highly regarded endoscopy trainer who shared his expertise with many colleagues both in this country and overseas. Through his regular trips to Pakistan, he lectured widely and delivered hands-on endoscopy training workshops for the Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology and other institutions. He was equally committed to supporting junior doctors, particularly those new to the UK and seeking to establish themselves within the NHS.

His warmth, generosity, gentle sense of humour and love of fine aftershave will be hugely missed by his colleagues and friends.

His brother also trained as a gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist and continues to practise in Houston, Texas.

Mumtaz leaves his wife, four daughters and a son, together with 4 grandchildren, all of whom he was incredibly proud of and placed at the centre of his life.

By Tom Lee, S Zafar Abbas, Faheem Butt, Athar Saeed, Javed Ahmed