BSc Manch 1960, MB ChB 1962; DObst RCOG 1964; FRCP 1980.
Simmons was born in Blackpool on 29 September 1939. He studied physiology then medicine at the University of Manchester, where he gained a number of scholarships and prizes. Simmons held junior appointments at MRI and St Mary's before working in general practice in Salford. Simmons was later medical registrar to University College Hospital London and United Leeds Hospitals before being appointed consultant physician to St James' University Hospital, Leeds.