Emergency Medicine Giant Manjeet Riyat Dies After Battling COVID-19
Tragedy has struck the NHS as beloved Emergency Medicine Consultant Mr Manjeet Singh Riyat passed away on Monday, 20 April, at Royal Derby Hospital after contracting COVID-19. A true pioneer and respected figure, Manjeet leaves a massive void in Derby and beyond.
The First Sikh A&E Consultant in the UK
Manjeet Riyat wasn’t just any consultant. He was the *first ever* Emergency Medicine Consultant from the Sikh community in the UK. For more than 20 years, he shaped emergency care at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and across Derbyshire.
“Manjeet was an incredibly charming person and well loved,” said Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. “He was a powerful advocate for the sickest patients and had a no-nonsense approach combined with dry humour and kindness. We will all miss him tremendously.”
A Lifelong Dedication to Emergency Medicine and Teaching
Manjeet graduated from the University of Leicester in 1992 and trained at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Lincoln County Hospital. Before paramedics became commonplace, he led the Accident Flying Squads, cutting his teeth in high-pressure emergency scenarios.
He was one of the UK’s first Clinical Research Fellows in Emergency Medicine, helping to birth academic emergency medicine. In 2003, he became Derbyshire Royal Infirmary’s first Sikh Emergency Medicine Consultant and soon after led the Emergency Department as Head of Service from 2006.
His dedication went beyond the ER. Manjeet was a passionate educator, mentoring dozens of regional trainees over 17 years and supporting struggling trainees with care and dedication.
“Manjeet’s knowledge was remarkable, and he was always generous with it,” said Miss Susie Hewitt, Consultant Emergency Medicine. “He was also instrumental in setting up Advanced Life Support courses in Derby and held senior examiner roles for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.”
A Family Man & Inspirational Colleague
Despite a decorated career, Manjeet stayed grounded. Known for his dry wit and warm personality, he was a beloved mentor and friend who inspired many careers.
He was fiercely proud of his wife and two sons, often sharing stories of their achievements with joy and humour.
Dr Kathy McLean OBE, Chair, said: “Manjeet made a huge impact on NHS Derbyshire and was admired by generations for his care and dedication. This is a terribly sad loss to all who knew him.”
Manjeet Singh Riyat leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and inspiration. The NHS, Derbyshire, and emergency medicine as a whole mourn the loss of a true giant.
