Born in India on 9 February 1947, Nirmal Khaitan qualified from Calcutta University in 1971, and came to England the following year. After junior appointments he became an associate specialist in orthopaedics at Shotley Bridge Hospital. In this capacity, Khaitan was noted for his meticulousness and dexterity. He had enormous knowledge of his specialty and was always prepared to visit hospital at any time of the day or night to help his patients and colleagues. He had a relaxed attitude to the problems of life and a droll sense of humour. He was particularly interested in encouraging and helping overseas doctors, and he pursued intellectual and cultural knowledge with enthusiasm. He died on 3 April 1991 at the age of 44, and was survived by his wife and children.