MB ChB Manch 1966; MRCP (UK) 1973.
Barnes was born in Morecambe on 13 August 1943. He was educated at Morecambe Grammar School and the University of Manchester, where he was president of the student's union from 1964 to 1965. After qualifying Barnes held house positions at MRI, Withington Hospital and Baguely Hospital before setting up in general practice in Eccles.