Cheerful doctor was revolutionary in care

Dr Sunny Lingam, former Worthing Hospital doctor, has died at the age of 75 SUS-141208-143725001

Dr Murugasu Suntharalingam, known as ‘Sunny’ Lingam because of his cheerful personality, died at Worthing Hospital on August 8, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He is credited with transforming the hospital’s elderly care by cutting waiting lists and creating a progressive service to give patients the best chance of recovery.

Previously, the hospital would often see older patients staying for months on end before their deaths.

Daughter Silaja, 31, said: “Everyone called him Sunny as he was a cheerful man who always had a smile.

“He was very dedicated to his family and his community. He used to take us on Christmas ward rounds and we were always amazed that he knew every patient’s name and all the nurses, too.”

Dr Lingam leaves behind wife Devi, three children and two grandchildren. His funeral is tomorrow – what would have been his 76th birthday – at Worthing Crematorium at 9.40am. Donations are welcomed to Guild Care, care of HD Tribe, 130 Broadwater Road, Worthing.

For the full story, see the Herald and Gazette, out Thursday, August 14.