3:14pm Thursday 8th January 2009
By Therasa Paul
DR Geoff Ridgway, who lives in Ringwood, has been awarded an OBE for services to microbiology.
His distinguished and inspiring career has encompassed the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, with a special interest in genito-urinary bacterial infections.
Dr Ridgway, 64, who is now retired, said:” I am chuffed. I am really delighted, it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.
“You feel you have got somewhere when this happens.”
He added: “It reflects teamwork and I’ve been working with a wonderful team at the Department of health.”
Dr Ridgway qualified with a BSc in special zoology in 1966 before studying medicine at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine.
He specialised in medical microbiology, obtaining MD by thesis in 1977 and was also appointed consultant in clinical microbiology at University College London Hospitals, a post he held until his retirement in March 2004.
Dr Ridgway is a fellow of both the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal College of Physicians.
He holds the Honorary Diploma in Hospital Infection Control and was an honorary senior lecturer at University College and at the University of London School of Hygiene and tropical Medicine.
He also chaired the Microbiology Advisory committee to the Department of Health and is immediate past president of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences and the current president of the Hospital Infection Society.
In addition he is the author of over 230 peer reviewed papers, several book chapters as well as books on bacterial infections, especially chlamydial infections.
Although retired, Dr Ridgway is currently a consultant to the Infection Prevention and Blood Unit at the Department of Health.
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