Prof Hugh Barr (Surgical Laser Charity)

Professor Hugh Barr - Surgical Laser Charity

We were immediately transported into a new world of Biomimetics, for some of us the pace was almost too quick for mere mortals to comprehend.  However, we began to be led into the fascinating science of mimicry of nature and its application to non invasive investigation and diagnosis of disease. If deemed to be reliable, there were main advantages to patients receiving diagnoses by a much speedier method than time-consuming and sometimes inaccurate multiple biopsies.

Hugh qualified in Medicine at Liverpool and arrived as Consultant in Gloucester in 1992 and built up an association with Cranfield University who have developed his ideas using laser techniques, hence our contribution to the Surgery Laser Fund.

He demonstrated how real time optical diagnoses could be made with laser technique to detect lesions, particularly in sites such as the oesophagus.

We then moved on, at rapid speed, to gain some insight into the use of smell to detect infections in lungs and intestines, including tuberculosis, and pre-cancerous conditions.  So an endoscopic nose has been developed to detect changes that such conditions create.

This talk was delivered with humour as well as expertise and we were left exhausted  trying to comprehend how Hughs mind could embrace all the knowledge and techniques involved.  He expressed his excitement at being a surgeon and being involved in research and building a team of enthusiasts around him.  We are fortunate that we have such expertise in our NHS area.

Mike Till

Note:  Following Mike's Vote of Thanks, President Roger presented a cheque for 2,000 to Hugh's Charity, Surgery Laser Trust Fund (GHNHSFT).  The main picture shows the presentation.

Richard Colley (Publicity)