As we approach the culmination of this year, we find ourselves immersed in a bittersweet moment bidding farewell to the illustrious Director of our Intensive Care Unit, Professor Bala Venkatesh.

With an extraordinary decade of unwavering dedication and leadership as the helm of our ICU, Professor Venkatesh has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement.

Professor Venkatesh's exceptional leadership served as a guiding light for our unit, particularly in navigating challenges like the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

His steadfast commitment to advancing the field of Intensive Care Medicine has not only shaped our institution but has also left an indelible mark on the broader medical community.

As we express our deepest gratitude for Professor Venkatesh's remarkable contributions, we also extend our warmest wishes for a retirement filled with joy and fulfillment.

His legacy, marked by a decade of transformative leadership, will undoubtedly continue to inspire us. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been a part of his remarkable journey.

In a fitting tribute to his commitment, Professor Bala Venkatesh was honoured as the recipient of this year's John Douglas Award.

This prestigious award, presented annually, recognises individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to The Wesley Hospital. It stands as a testament to the profound impact Professor Venkatesh has had on our institution.

We invite you to join us in bidding farewell to Professor Bala Venkatesh and in celebrating his well-earned retirement. His leadership, wisdom, and positive impact on our ICU and the broader medical community will be deeply missed.

As we bid adieu to one chapter, we are thrilled to announce the beginning of another. Starting from January 1, we are delighted to welcome Associate Professor Jeremy Cohen as the new Director of the Intensive Care Unit.

We look forward to a seamless transition and to new heights of excellence under his guidance.

In this time of transition, let us reflect on the legacy of Professor Bala Venkatesh and embrace the exciting future that lies ahead under the leadership of Associate Professor Jeremy Cohen. Here's to a decade of excellence and to new beginnings in the world of intensive care medicine.