Five consultants at the Medical Specialist Group have invested in the long-term development of healthcare in the island by joining the partnership this month.
All five have served as associate consultants at the Medical Specialist Group (MSG) for the past couple of years: Dr Sarra Ahmed as consultant paediatrician, Dr Ravi Anandampillai as consultant anaesthetist, Mr George Cooper as consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Ms Lauren Green as consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician and Dr Patrick Harnett as consultant physician and nephrologist.
The MSG’s chair Dr Steve Evans said: “I’m very pleased to welcome to the partnership five excellent doctors who are committed to putting the patient first, always.
“Becoming a partner is a big commitment, taking on liabilities and risk as well as reward and a greater ability to influence. The partnership model is something that has really helped Guernsey. People do feel more invested, and they do go the extra mile.”
Dr Sarra Ahmed, who worked in Gibraltar before joining the MSG in 2021, said that she is delighted to become a partner: “The support and welcome I’ve received from everyone in the organisation has been unparalleled. It really is like joining a big family. It’s clear that this ethos is reflected in the care we provide to the community of Guernsey and to be a part of shaping the services that the MSG offers is very exciting.
“Since moving to Guernsey with my husband and two young daughters, we have fallen in love with the island and all it has to offer. It’s extremely satisfying to know that I am directly contributing to the health and wellbeing of the children in the community I live in.”
Dr Ravi Anandampillia, who joined from NHS Tayside in Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to have been invited into the partnership. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 18 months working for a fantastic organisation with dedicated and supportive colleagues. I’m looking forward to a long career with the MSG and life on this beautiful island.”
Miss Lauren Green, who was born and educated in the island and returned here from Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital in 2021, commented: “Coming home to Guernsey has been a wonderful experience for us as a family. Professionally, the greatest reward comes from the continuity I can provide to women in my care here. I have enjoyed sharing my expertise and working as part of a close-knit team.
“I am delighted to cement my commitment to women’s health in the Bailiwick through partnership.”
Mr George Cooper, who also spent time growing up in the Bailiwick, joined the MSG in 2021 from the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, one of the largest specialist orthopaedic units in Europe.
He said: “I look forward to contributing further to orthopaedic surgery on island as a partner within the MSG. I have found local colleagues to be extremely devoted to providing first class care and as a partner I can fully commit to the longer term service. I believe the planned modernisation projects and future developments hold huge promise and look forwards with great optimism, as well as to enjoying the beautiful Bailiwick.”
And finally Dr Patrick Harnett, who joined the MSG in 2021 from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, said: “Being invited to join the partnership is a big change and most welcome. It is reassuring to have colleagues accept you into the group.
“Having trained and worked in the NHS for most of the last 30 years it is interesting to see a different model and structure of practice. The NHS has so many problems that are not seen here, and I think our model of care is one of the reasons. I’m looking forward to participating, learning and contributing.”
There are now 41 consultants in the MSG partnership, and a further 11 associate and seven locum consultants.
Pictured: Left to right – Dr Sarra Amed, Dr Patrick Harnett, Dr Steve Evans, Miss Lauren Green, Mr George Cooper and Dr Ravi Anandampillia
