One of the most respected – and loved – members of staff at the National Spinal Injuries Unit at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is hanging up her stethoscope after more than 40 years as a medic.
Dr Mahandra Verappa Jigajinni was born in India and graduated from medical school in 1978. She worked in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Western General Edinburgh from 1981-1985 before taking up a post as a Senior House Officer in the Spinal Unit in Edenhall Hospital, Musselburgh, where she worked until 1991.
In 1992, she joined the newly opened Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow, progressing to a Spinal Specialist Doctor until her recent retirement.
While working in Glasgow Mahandra – known affectionately as Dr Jig by many of per patients and colleagues – continued to live in Edinburgh and has driven through from the Capital every day for more than 30 years.
Dr Mariel Purcell, Consultant in Spinal Injuries at the Spinal Injuries Unit, has worked with Dr Jig for 16 years. She said: “Dr Jig’s knowledge, skills and experience are unequalled, she is a master of halo application and adored and respected by staff, patients and families alike, for her dedication and hard work she deserves the best retirement ever.”
Susan Groom, Director of Regional Services as NHSGGC, said: “Dr Jig has been a very important member of the team at the National Spinal Injuries Unit for more than 30 years, and while we are all sad to see her go, I would like to wish her a happy and healthy retirement.”
