Trio of new partners at the Medical Specialist Group

Wednesday 26 January 2022

Three consultants at the Medical Specialist Group have committed to the long-term development of healthcare in the island by joining the partnership this month.

All three have worked as associate consultants at the MSG for the past few years. Dr Kate Allen worked as consultant physician specialising in diabetes and endocrinology, Dr Michelle Le Cheminant as consultant anaesthetist, and Dr Tom Saunders as consultant geriatrician.

Dr Tom Saunders said: “I’ve found here that the more you put into healthcare and the community the more you get back. Patients are very knowledgeable and empowered and they appreciate the time we can spend with them and the continuity of care we can give. 

"Being a partner is harder work because of the commitment you’ve made. But I’ve found here that I have more time to spend with my patients than I did in the NHS - I’m a doctor again." 

Locally born consultant anaesthetist Dr Michelle Le Cheminant said: “I came back to Guernsey because it’s my home. My decision to specialise in anaesthesia goes right back to sixth form when I did my work experience here.

"Now I’m a partner, I feel fully integrated into the MSG, and am looking forward to having even more involvement in developing services to benefit patients.”

Dr Kate Allen added: “Like Michelle I was born and grew up here, and this is my chance to give my children the same kind of upbringing. 

"When I started it was clear that Guernsey was already ahead of the NHS in terms of adoption of diabetes technology, which is rapidly advancing especially for people with type 1 diabetes. 

"Now as a partner, my commitment to the island’s diabetic population is to build on these great foundations and to develop the diabetes service for the long term.”

Welcoming them to the partnership, MSG chair Dr Gary Yarwood praised all three doctors for taking on extra responsibility and raising healthcare standards for the people of Guernsey.

“It’s a big commitment, taking on liabilities and risk as well as reward and a greater ability to influence. The partnership model is something that has really helped Guernsey. People do feel more invested, and they do go the extra mile,” he said.

“In Kate, Michelle and Tom I’m delighted to say that we have three excellent doctors who are committed to the long-term development of healthcare in the island.”

There are now 38 consultants in the MSG partnership and a further 16 consultants working as associates or locums.

Pictured (top): From L to R; Dr Kate Allen, Dr Gary Yarwood, Dr Michelle le Cheminant, and Dr Tom Saunders.