Leading Dominican ophthalmologist Dr Hazel Maria Shillingford-Ricktetts was presented to Her Majest)y The Queen at a special Reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 29th October to mark the completion of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust’s (the Trust) programmes to end avoidable blindness – see images attached.
Between 1996 and 2018, when she reached retirement age, Dr Shillingford-Ricketts was the only ophthalmologist in Dominica, and remains the only person in the country trained to treat diabetic retinopathy – a major cause of avoidable blindness, with rates growing faster in the Caribbean than anywhere else in the world.
Dr Shillingford-Ricketts has been instrumental in the delivery of the Trust’s programme in Dominica which has worked with its coordinating partner the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health to secure permanent changes to Dominica’s public health system by integrating screening and quality treatment for diabetic retinopathy into the care provided to people with diabetes. By focusing on strengthening the health system, the aim has been to implement an effective screening and treatment plan that will not only protect the sight of those people who currently have diabetes in Dominica but also those who in the future will develop the condition.
As part of the measures taken to improve access to quality eye care for people in Dominica with diabetes, the programme has established a well-equipped screening and laser treatment site for diabetic retinopathy at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau, to complement its existing mobile service. Together, these services are aiming to provide full coverage and reach all people with diabetes across the island who may be at risk of losing their sight.
Dr Shillingford-Ricketts is featured in a new book – A Lasting Legacy – which tells the stories of 62 individuals from 54 countries whose lives have changed as a result of the Trust. Dr Shillingford-Rickett’s unique story can be read on page 140 – 141: https://www.jubileetribute.org/img/publications/A-Lasting-Legacy.pdf
DNO this picture is deceiving. use photoshop or get another picture of Dr. R alone.
Let me add my congratulations to Dr Hazel Shillingford Ricketts.. You have had a brilliant career in assistance to our people and well deserving of your honours
A prophet is never honored in his own land. Viva intelligence….viva hard work….viva care for people.
Congratulations! You are the best and I will be in you debt forever. You a bit too young for retirement. (Smile)
So, with Dr. Hazel retired, who is going to take her place? The Chinese doctors?
Congratulations
Well deserved honour
Many of us have avoided blindness throgh the excellent application of your Skill and knowledge.
Congratulations Dear Doctor. You see, real royalty recognise you when the fake variety at home do not.
Congratulations! Dr. Ricketts. All that achievement and the so-called Doctor x2 is keeping you away. But hear him repeating that he is not obligated to build homes for his own people. I guess he thinks he is obligated to keep people struggling.
It’s great that she practices in a country where so few can pay.
Congratulations! You have made both your Dad and your Aunt Phyllis proud! “Only in his home town and in his own house is a prophet without honour”
The way that the esteemed doctor Rickets is treated by this depraved DLP alone, is enough for Dominicans with a conscience and love for the sick, to kick those wickeds out at the next election..
Their love for humanity has fled to British beast, while they boast and bragg of being able to go abroad for medical treatment..
What an abominable political party, this corrupt DLP!!!
Skerrit:
Whey is di money?
Whey is di money?
Whey is di money?
Thanks Dr. Hazel Shillingford, daughter of Isaline Pierre of Back Street, St. Joseph. Your mom and Grandma Maci are smiling down on you.