Bernard Ribeiro, Baron Ribeiro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Ribeiro
CBE FRCS
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| Born |
Bernard Francisco Ribeiro
20 January 1944 Achimota, Gold Coast
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Dean Close School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire; Middlesex Hospital Medical School |
| Known for | President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2005–08 |
| Awards | CBE 2004 FRCS Knight Bachelor 2009 |
Bernard Francisco Ribeiro, Baron Ribeiro (born 20 January 1944) is a famous British surgeon. He was the President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 2005 to 2008. In 2010, he became a life peer, which means he was given a special title and a seat in the House of Lords. He was part of the Conservative group there until he retired in 2023.
Contents
About Bernard Ribeiro
Early Life and Education
Bernard Ribeiro was born in 1944 in a place called Achimota. This was in the Gold Coast, which is now known as Ghana. He went to school at Dean Close School in Cheltenham, England. Later, he studied medicine at Middlesex Hospital Medical School.
Becoming a Surgeon
Bernard Ribeiro became a doctor in 1967. Five years later, he became a specialist surgeon. He earned the title of Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). From 1979 until he retired in 2008, he worked as a top surgeon at Basildon Hospital.
He was very interested in urology (problems with the urinary system) and colorectal surgery (surgery on the bowel). He was a pioneer in using keyhole surgery. This is a special way to do operations using very small cuts. He also helped create an advanced unit for this type of surgery at Basildon Hospital.
Important Roles and Awards
In 1998, he was chosen to be on the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This is a very important group for surgeons.
He received several important awards for his work. In 2004, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award is given for great service to the country. In 2009, he was made a Knight Bachelor. This means he can be called "Sir Bernard."
In 2010, he was given the special title of life peer. This made him Baron Ribeiro. He took his seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.
Later Contributions
After retiring from surgery, Lord Ribeiro continued to help in many ways. In 2012, he became the head of a group that advises the government on health services. He also served as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Barbers. This is a very old and respected organization.
He is also the President of the Council for his old school, Dean Close School. In 2020, he joined the board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. This group works to protect people's rights. In 2021, he became the Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University.
Family Life
Lord Ribeiro is married to Elisabeth. They have four children: Joanna Charlotte, Tessa Elisabeth, Nicola Helen, and Richard Francisco Ribeiro.
Medical Achievements
Pioneering Keyhole Surgery
Lord Ribeiro is especially known for his work with keyhole surgery. This type of surgery uses small cuts and special cameras. It helps patients recover faster than traditional surgery. His work helped this method become more common and safer.
He also helped bring the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre to Basildon Hospital. This center treats many patients with heart and chest problems.
Views on Patient Care
Lord Ribeiro believed that doctors should always have a strong, trusting relationship with their patients. He thought it was important to measure how well patients felt after surgery. This helps doctors improve their care and training.
In 2014, there was a discussion about a bill that would allow doctors to help patients end their lives. Lord Ribeiro did not support this bill. He felt it would make the relationship between doctors and patients more difficult.
Awards and Recognition
- 1972: Awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons.
- 1979: Became a Consultant General Surgeon at Basildon Hospital.
- 1999-2000: President of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland.
- 2004: Appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to medicine.
- 2005-2008: President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
- 2009: Appointed a Knight Bachelor.
- 2010: Created a life peer as Baron Ribeiro.
- 2012: Appointed Chairman of the Independent Recognition Panel.
- Holds honorary degrees from universities like the University of Bath and Anglia Ruskin University.
- Received an honorary fellowship from the American College of Surgeons.
