Cancer and blood specialist joins HSA full-time
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) has hired Dr Lundie Richards as a full-time medical haematologist-oncologist, who can diagnose and treat various blood cancers and blood disorders. He worked previously part-time at the HSA before joining the organisation’s pathology laboratory and oncology teams full-time in August.
Specifically, he can treat anaemia, haemophilia and blood clots, as well as solid cancers, enabling patients in need of care to be treated in Cayman rather than overseas, stated an HSA press release. In addition to haemotology and oncology services, he will provide expertise in blood bank and transfusion medicine.
“I am honoured to work within the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, patient-centred team of professionals at the HSA,” said Dr Richards. “My team and I will aim to facilitate positive health outcomes and contribute to the overall strengthening of the healthcare system of the Cayman Islands by always putting our patients first. I truly believe this is key, and am very pleased that we have already taken the first step by making the service available here on island so we can reduce the need for patients to seek this type of service overseas.”
Prior to Dr Richards’ full-time employment, Dr Gillian Wharfe, a visiting oncologist-haematologist, travelled from Jamaica at least once a month to treat patients. Dr Wharfe, who has been working with the HSA since 2002, will continue to provide medical care for patients.
“Blood cancers are treated differently from many solid cancers, which means that people who have blood cancer often choose to see a haematologist over an oncologist for their treatment,” explained HSA Medical Director Dr Delroy Jefferson. “Having a full-time specialist on staff who is practised in both haematology and oncology allows us to diagnose and treat a wider range of cancers and provide more comprehensive, quality care to our patients.
“An important part of cancer care is having the ability to receive it locally where family and friends are nearby for support. As such, we are delighted to welcome Dr Richards whose knowledge and experience will be most beneficial to increasing the value of our services to the people of our islands.”
Dr Richards has worked as a haematologist-oncologist in Jamaica for more than 20 years. Among the senior positions he has held are director of laboratory services and director of national blood services in Jamaica; advisor, blood services development and management, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization; and senior programme consultant at the Ministry of Health in Ontario.
Dr Richards received his medical degree from the Instituto Superior Ciencias Medicas, Villa Clara, Cuba, where he graduated with “Diploma de Oro” (Gold Seal Diploma – First Class Honours). He completed his doctor of medicine in clinical haematology and oncology at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He pursued his master of science in transfusion and transplantation Sciences at the University of Bristol in the UK. He has also obtained a master of public health from Lakehead University, Ontario Canada and master in health management from McMaster University, also in Ontario.
Patients who want to see Dr Richards will need a referral for haematology and oncology services.
For more information, call chemotherapy unit at Cayman Islands Hospital at 244-2872
Category: Local News, Medical and Health
Welcome to Dr. Richards. Having him at the HSA full time is certainly a bloody good idea!!