A consultant anaesthetist with a special interest in ultrasound-guided anaesthesia has joined the Medical Specialist Group.
Dr Ravi Anandampillai has joined the Medical Specialist Group from Scotland where he has worked as a consultant for the past five years in NHS Tayside. Originally qualifying as a doctor in India, he worked in various hospitals across Scotland and England before completing his fellowship training in 2016.
He says he is enjoying the unique experience of Guernsey’s consultant-delivered service: ‘In the UK we normally only met the patient just before they came down to the operating theatre whereas here we are responsible for all aspects of perioperative care which means we can get to know the patient and often their family in clinic a week or so before surgery and see them afterwards.’
He continues, ‘It is also really good for patient care and communication because the GP can call you directly and you are on first-name terms with the consultants in all the other specialities if you would like their advice.’
Dr Anandampillai’s special interest is in point of care ultrasound use in anaesthesia, which delivers targeted pain relief, and ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia for patients who are not suited to general anaesthesia. A Diplomate of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia he is also part of the faculty team for the International Mastery course in ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia.
Dr Richard Evans, chair of anaesthesia, said, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Ravi to our team of 11 anaesthetists. He has already demonstrated great skill and judgement in his short time with us. In particular his expertise in ultrasound guided regional blockade is a real asset to our department.’
Dr Anandampillai met his wife, Charlotte, in the NHS where she was working as a theatre nurse. Now a health visitor, she will move to the island with their daughters in the autumn.
