Main description:

Dr Herbert Barrie was a leading figure in paediatrics and a
pioneer in neonatology. He passed away in 2017 yet his story lives on in his
own words. Now published by his son, Putting
Tiny Patients First is a collection of tributes, articles, editorials and
anecdotes penned by this astonishing man and those that knew him best, spanning
a staggering career that hugely advanced paediatrics and neonatology. As a
paediatrician he was much sought after, looking after the children of actors,
politicians and the aristocracy - but he was best known for his ground-breaking
work in the care of the preterm infant. In his early days, Herbert would reward
his medical team with champagne whenever they had a survivor of a difficult
neonatal ordeal. This was a time when very few babies born before 32 weeks
survived, and those who did often suffered brain damage.

Dr Herbert Barrie pioneered advances in resuscitation of the
newborn; he published his findings and a film showing the practicalities of
resuscitating a preterm infant was shown around the country. But his work went
further: Herbert penned hundreds of articles and stories in a wide assortment
of journals, periodicals and magazines. Highbrow articles detailing his
research, amusing anecdotes, commentaries that were necessarily controversial.
Many are included in this elegant book. Putting
Tiny Patients First, compiled and edited by his son, tells the inspiring
story of Herbert Barrie's life as a paediatrician.