TRIBUTES have been paid to a doctor and former director of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), who has died at the age of 81.

Dr Krishna Goel had a long and distinguished career as a consultant and honorary senior lecturer of child health for nearly four decades at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

He had also been a director of Ronald MacDonald House Charitable Trust, trustee of Yorkhill Sick Children’s Fund and Eredine Christian Trust.

Maria McGill, chief executive of CHAS, added: “As a founding director, Dr Krishna Goel was instrumental in establishing CHAS as the national children’s hospice service in Scotland and he maintained a keen interest in our continuing success.

“Following his retirement, he began writing and, true to his character, he donated proceeds from book sales to CHAS.

“I extend the sympathies of the entire CHAS family to Dr Goel’s family and give our heartfelt thanks for his incredible contributions over the years.”

Dr Goel, who died suddenly on August 12 while on holiday in Oban with his wife Joyce, was held in great respect for his medical work as a consultant physician in paediatrics, specialising in childhood rheumatism, and for his caring and compassionate manner.

His remarkable contribution to Scottish life began in 1969 when he arrived at the former Abbotsinch airport, having travelled from his home in India.

Joyce told the Reporter that apart from his contribution to child health in Scotland, her husband would be remembered for his caring and compassionate nature.

She said: “He was well known as someone who listened to people.