A Star At The Heart Of Preston
Preston-based consultant neurosurgeon, Professor Nihal Gurusinghe MBE, has made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery, earning prestigious accolades in his work. Meena McDonald speaks with the renowned surgeon about his remarkable career
As a medical student Nihal had ambitions to become a neurosurgeon. He arrived in the UK on a crisp cold December day in 1975 to fulfil his ambition with every intention of returning home to Sri Lanka following his training. Instead, nearly 50 years on, he has not only achieved his ambitions but surpassed them at every level whist making incredible contributions to society and his profession, achieving the most prestigious accolades in the UK and in his profession while working as a consultant neurosurgeon at the Lancashire Teaching Hospital in Preston since October 1985.
He has proudly provided a dedicated service to the people of Lancashire and emphasises the hugely important and invaluable role of his colleagues in supporting his work to serve the community. Nihal aims to complete 50 years of service to the NHS.
He has trained in London at world famous hospitals such as Atkinson Morley’s Hospital, Wimbledon (part of St. George’s Hospital Medical School), The National Hospital for Nervous Diseases and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children.
In 1980 he received the Fellowship in Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and in 1984 completed training in neurosurgery.
In October 1985 he became the first Sri Lankan born consultant neurosurgeon in the UK and has lived in Preston ever since.
His specialities are the treatment of brain aneurysms, brain haemorrhage and tumours at the base of the skull.
He works with a team of experts and practitioners including neuroradiology, neuro-anaesthesia and neuropathology to ensure the highest quality of care to his patients. In May 2016 he was appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Nihal has significant national and international roles in addition to his clinical duties.
He is the longest serving member of the Executive Council of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) having served as the Honorary Secretary from 2000 – 2005 and continues to serve working with expert colleagues to advise NICE (National Institute for Clinical and Healthcare Excellence). In September 2024 he was awarded the SBNS medal for outstanding service to British Neurosurgery, recognising his contribution to the profession and the Society.
Nihal is an examiner for the UK, International and Hong Kong/Singapore FRCS (Neurosurgery) as an appointee by the UK Royal Colleges. He has trained a vast number of young neurosurgeons now serving in the UK and worldwide.
Nihal supports two charities: the first is the Sydney Driscoll Neuroscience Foundation (SDNF) founded by him in 1989 (with Andrew Ferguson, a lawyer) and based at the Royal Preston Hospital, which focuses on research and education in neurosciences.
The aim of this charity is to drive pioneering research to help develop new treatments that will improve the lives of patients who have life-changing neurological diseases, including brain injury, brain cancer, strokes, brain haemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s disease.
He leads the UCLAN/SDNF collaboration brain cancer research group. The SDNF has donated £100k to the research with the aim of finding a treatment for brain cancer.
Nihal is also a senior trustee for 35 years of the Midland International Buddhist Temple located in a deprived area in Birmingham, which supports a huge multi-ethnic community. He is a trustee of the International Buddhist Relief Organisation (IBRO), which provides much required support to organisations helping the blind and victims of disasters such as floods and tsunamis.
One of his greatest achievements came in 2023 when Nihal was on the King’s New Year’s Honour’s List and awarded an MBE by King Charles III for his valuable contribution to charitable services.
The prestigious investiture ceremony was in November 2023 and Nihal enjoyed the opportunity to explain his work to King Charles in person! He recalls this as the most memorable event of his life and even more so as it was witnessed by his partner Victoria, son David and partner Christina.
When he’s not working or supporting his charities, Nihal enjoys playing club cricket, relishing the challenges of being an opening batsman.
Nihal and Victoria enjoy keeping fit and work out at the gym regularly. They enjoy country walks and are currently undertaking the couch to 5K experience.
Going to the theatre and travelling together is their real passion alongside spending time with family including David, Christina, Josh, Lucy and Holly.
If you would like to know more about the charities Nihal supports and make a donation, please see: https://neurocharity.co.uk and https://bbmvihara.co.uk
