PROFESSOR of gynaecological oncology, David Luesley, retired today after 30 years of service at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. An acknowledged leader in his field, he has inspired many gynaecologists at the Trust and across the country with a profound knowledge and expertise in gynae-oncology.
Well known for his long-term vision for women’s health care, Professor Luesley set up the Pan-Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre in 2005, which has grown to become a large and busy service undertaking approximately 600 radical surgical procedures annually. It is now one of the best three cancer centres in the country, providing cancer support and treatment for thousands of gynaecological patients in the West Midlands.
Talking about this achievement, Professor Luesley said: “I am very proud to have established the Pan-Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre. This is where we provide the best support to women when they are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Speaking at Professor Luesley’s retirement ceremony today, SWBH NHS Trust Chief Executive Toby Lewis said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the brilliant work that Professor Luesley has done for the Gynaecology Department. We will all miss him a lot and we will continue his work so that the services of the Gynaeoncology department can be further developed and extended to a wider community.”
Gynaecology consultant Charlie Chan, a close colleague of Professor Luesley, said: “What astonishes me the most about David is that he has this thirst for knowledge and he always challenges the leading practice. He inspires many of us to keep improving ourselves and not take facts for granted.
“His work ethic is also one of his top qualities. He is on nine Trust committees, 14 National committees, eight International committees and many more. He has over 200 publications which have been used for teaching and research. I am so proud to have worked alongside with David for many years and we will all miss him when he leaves us after today.”
Professor Luesley graduated from Downing College, Cambridge and continued his studies with undergraduate training in medicine at the University of Birmingham in 1975. He first chose to focus on obstetrics but following a fellowship in Cancer Research, he developed a strong interest in gynaecology and has not looked back ever since. He said: “What is so satisfying about my job is to see patients get better. I like to treat my patients the way I treat my family.
“I will definitely miss my colleagues a lot. They have been so wonderful to me. Each of them, the porters, nurses, secretaries, consultants, doctors and many others, has put a mark on my heart. They have been so supportive and they are the people who make a difference and take pride in their work. It is my good fortune to have worked with them for so many years and I wish them all the best in the future.”
ENDS.
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