Dr Ken Straughan

Dr Ken Straughan was Medical Director at the British Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (BRMA) from 1986-2000.

During his time at BRMA he was responsible for the Health Research Unit that was set up in 1957 screening it’s member’s employees who were known to have been exposed to chemicals contaminated with beta-naphthylamine.  When the Unit closed in 2000 coinciding with his departure from BRMA he set up OHSS enabling the work to be continued.  This work then extended beyond the rubber industry to include companies from several sectors whose workers either had been or were at the time exposed to carcinogens.

“I was very sorry to learn of the death of your father Dr J K Straughan. In 2000 he referred me to my GP and bladder cancer was diagnosed. I had no symptoms and his referral led to my treatment. I was so grateful to him and his staff and for the ongoing follow-ups and I wrote to him to that effect. What wonderful work you do. Please accept my condolences from a very grateful patient.”

John Salter