A senior Cambridgeshire doctor is feared dead after going missing during a hike in the French Alps.
Dr Robert Bailey, 63, did not return to his hotel in Chamonix, France, last Thursday after setting out on a hike up the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass.
Dr Bailey is the clinical lead for end of life care at the Peterborough & Cambridgeshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
He is also on the board of the Local Commissioning Group.
Dr Gary Howsam, clinical chair at the CCG said: "Sadly we can confirm that Dr Bailey, senior partner at Minster Practice, part of the Octagon group, who was on holiday with his family, has been reported by the French police as missing, presumed dead.
"Everyone who knows Rob Bailey will be incredibly worried and saddened by this news.
"This is an extremely distressing time for everyone who knows and works with Rob Bailey as well as his patients and the local community.
"Minster surgery will be open as normal, and the practice are providing emotional support to his colleagues.
"Our thoughts are with his family. We would ask that people respect the privacy of family and staffWe at this time."
Planet Chamonix, which describes itself as "the guide to all things Chamonix", posted an appeal on their website on Saturday (March 23).
The appeal said: "Robert Bailey (63 years old) has been missing since Thursday.
"Robert did not come back to his hotel after setting out on a hike up the Col de Forclaz, Les Houches.
"The British national was wearing a blue jacket, dark pants plus a green backpack, see photo.
"If you have seen anything or have any info whatsoever, please get in contact with the rescue services on 04 50 53 16 89, he is also diabetic.
"Lets pray he’s found soon."
Mountain rescue service PGHM Chamonix Mont-Blanc also posted on Facebook on Friday (March 22): "URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT.
"Gone yesterday on hiking sector les houches col de la forclaz.
"If reporting immediately notify the gendarmerie via 0800971071.
"Spread as much as possible please."
The recorded message for callers to Minster Medical Practice states: "We are extremely saddened to advise that last Thursday Dr Bailey, who was on holiday in Chamonix, was involved in an accident.
"At present we have no further information.
"We know that this will be a difficult time for patients and staff and we would ask for your patience whilst trying get through or trying to make an appointment with the practice."
The surgery are currently only taking emergency appointments.
Dr Bailey joined the practice in April 1990 and became Senior Partner in October 2009 and specialises in palliative care, diabetes, cancer and minor surgery.
