For those who are unaware Ravi passed away on Sunday. Funeral today 2.30 at hutcliffe wood crematorium, sheffield.

Hi,

Wow, that really was a shock.

Ravi was my consultant from my initial injury in 1992 until he retired, last year.

Despite being very busy, and rushing around the unit at 1000mph, he always showed an interest in my progress post injury, and in my family life.

He will be sadly missed.

Simon.

Further Information:

Ravichandran G - Died peacefully on November 16 at home in Sandygate, aged 63 years. Consultant in Spinal Injuries (retired). Loving husband of Ann, much loved father of Shanthi, Simon and Rekha, and very dear grandad of Matthew and Mark. Service at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on Friday November 21 at 3.00pm. Family flowers only please, donations if wished for The Christian Medical College, India made payable to "Friends Of Vellore" may be sent to Adam Heath, John Heath and Sons, 2-16 Earsham Street, S4 7LS.

Published by the TheStar.co.uk on 19 Nov 2008.


Obituary Published in Spinal Injuries Magazine

Mr G Ravichandran

Known as 'Ravi' by everyone who knew him, he was born and raised in Tamil Nadu and obtained a degree in chemistry before studying medicine in Pondicherry. He came to England in 1972 to continue his training in orthopaedics. In the course of this he met his wife, Ann. They went on to have three children, two of whom followed their father into careers in medicine.

During his orthopaedic training Ravi developed an interest in the treatment of patients with spinal cord injury and secured a highly-sought-after senior training post at the NSIC, Stoke Mandeville. He was made Consultant in Spinal Injuries at Lodge Moor Hospital, Sheffield in 1984 and immediately introduced a policy of aggressive medical and surgical management of pressure sores. Ravi's work with patients wh6 had complex pressure sores made him well known throughout the Trent region.

When the decision was taken to close Lodge Moor Hospital, Ravi worked closely with the Regional Health Authority and with the architects on the design of the new Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre. His desire to get things right for patients was exemplified by drawing the outline of rooms on the floor and asking patients in wheelchairs to test their accessibility. The new centre was opened at the Northern General Hospital in 1994 by HRH The Princess Royal.

He was intensely supportive of his staff and, as a result, received their loyalty and affection. He was deeply principled and caring about his patients and had an amazing ability to read non-verbal communication. This talent made him deeply empathic and served him well in helping patients who were greatly traumatised both physically and psychologically.

He taught his students to look beyond the 'symptoms and signs' of the medical textbook to the essence of the patient and their needs. In this sense he taught truly holistic medicine.

Ravi retired from the NHS in May 2007 with plans to devote some of his time to further research. He barely had time to enjoy his new-found freedom before illness overtook him. He died at his home in Sheffield on Sunday 16 November 2008. Ravi will be sadly missed by those who knew, loved and respected him.

Martin McClelland Bsc MB ChB BAO FRCS

Extremely sad news.
Anyone who was in Sheffield will know what an integral part he was in the whole operation there.
He gave me tough love when I needed it and advice when I didn't want to hear it.
I always felt like I was in safe hands with the man.

Best wishes to his family.

A huge loss for everyone. More thoughts go to his family.

Bad news he was a very nice man.

R.I.P.

Went for my check-up today and only just found out.
A decent fella who knew his stuff.