With deep respect and gratitude, the Perron Institute acknowledges the death of Emeritus Professor Bryant Stokes AO, a revered neurosurgeon whose outstanding contributions have had a massive impact on medical research, the Western Australian health system, the Institute and the community.
“The Perron Institute, WA’s leading centre for neurosciences research, owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Professor Stokes,” said Chief Executive Officer Steve Arnott.
“As a champion of excellence in clinical practice and medical research, his vision was to see WA develop and achieve recognition as a world-class centre in the neurosciences field, and as part of this, he played a huge role in the planning and development of the Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Institute building at the QEII Medical Centre.
“The Perron Institute’s move into this building in 2017 has enabled significant expansion of our research streams and clinics and introduced new opportunities for collaboration with other institutes and universities with a neurological focus.
“Professor Stokes was a former Director of the Perron Institute Board. His contribution in that role and his continued support for the Institute, particularly via the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund, has been greatly valued.”
Professor Stokes served as Chair of the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund (previously the Neurotrauma Research Program) for over 20 years. Supported by the WA Department of Health and more recently, through the generosity of the philanthropic Sarich family, the fund was established in recognition of Professor Stokes for his contribution to the Perron Institute and advancement of neurosciences research.
Professor Stokes, a member of the first graduating class of medical students at The University of Western Australia in 1959, went on to become a leader in the healthcare field in Australia for over five decades.
He was Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at UWA, Consultant Neurosurgeon at several of WA’s metropolitan hospitals and Professor of Anatomy at Notre Dame University.
Additional to his illustrious international reputation in clinical practice and teaching, he championed research and was a significant contributor to public health policy development and implementation.
As Chief Medical Officer (WA) from 1995 to 2001, he renewed the focus on safety and quality in healthcare. As Acting Commissioner of Health in 2000, he supported publication of healthcare outcomes and adverse events, along with associated learnings and recommendations.
Professor Stokes, Chair of the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) for many years, and Acting Director General of Health for WA (2013-2015), was awarded the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Medal in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to improving quality and safety in Australian health services.
Professor Stokes made major contributions to professional organisations including the Australian Medical Association, serving as President (WA), and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, inaugural chair of the Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation and Deputy Chair of the Medical Research Foundation of WA.