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Prof. Hector Chinoy

Rheumatologist

appreciated the opportunity to see Professor Chinoy and I recognise his substantial expertise in rheumatology and inflammatory muscle conditions. He was polite, clear, and reassuring in his manner. However, I left the appointment feeling that some key parts of my longitudinal history were not fully integrated into the assessment. Despite having uploaded all my scans from 2021, 2022, and September 2025, these were not able to be reviewed together during the consultation because the files were not opened on the system. This meant we were unable to discuss the progression pattern across the years — including the shift from right-sided abnormalities (fatty infiltration in 2021, right psoas sheath oedema in 2022, and right paraspinal inflammation in May 2025) to the newly emergent left-sided oedema in September 2025. This remains one of my main concerns, and I had hoped to go through it as a connected clinical story. I also felt somewhat discouraged when the peer-reviewed publications I mentioned — particularly the Brain journal review “Axial Myopathy: an overlooked feature of muscle diseases” — were dismissed as unhelpful for patients to read. I fully understand the concern about online searches, but the review is a major academic paper describing: • axial myopathy being frequently misattributed to spinal degeneration, • seronegative inflammatory myopathies, • cases where paraspinal involvement is the earliest or only manifestation, and • the consistent issue that MRI abnormalities in the paraspinal muscles are under-recognised by non-neuromuscular specialists. These points felt directly relevant to my pattern of findings, particularly as my bloods have remained seronegative and several consultants have attributed the MRI abnormalities mainly to spinal wear-and-tear — something the paper specifically warns can lead to under-diagnosis. I appreciate that Professor Chinoy believes the fatty infiltration and oedema are most likely secondary to spinal changes. However, this does not fully account for: • the right-to-left progression seen on imaging, • the severe nocturnal pain and inability to turn in bed, • the sudden onset bilateral hand pain, stiffness and locking, • the persistence of symptoms despite minimal radiological change in the spine over four years, and • the coexistence of Hashimoto’s disease, which rheumatology felt was irrelevant despite autoimmune diseases sometimes clustering. I am grateful that he has arranged for radiology to re-review the entire MRI set, and I appreciate this very much. However, the consultation left me feeling that many parts of my history and symptoms remain unexplained, and that the published evidence on axial/paraspinal muscle disease — especially in seronegative patients — was not fully considered.

Fitzrovia Suite

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

We opted for private care at UCLH because we wanted the birth experience to be as positive as possible. As a medically uncomplicated patient I felt that I may not receive much attention or time on an overstretched NHS ward. I also had some anxieties around birth (as a healthcare professional myself) and felt reassured to be receiving consultant-led care, from a clinician with whom I was able to build a trusting relationship. Shalini provided exceptional care from 32 weeks pregnancy and after delivery. She got to know me and my partner, and understood our priorities and concerns. I had previously found it hard to make decisions around birth. Shalini provided us with evidence, data and her experience - this empowered us to make our decisions. She spent a lot of time with us and brought great care, empathy and kindness to her practice, as well as her excellent clinical skills. When we had questions, fears or anxieties Shalini was able to reassure us, both with her kindness and her experience and expertise. The care she provides is holistic and individualised - she advocated for me in many ways and empowered me to advocate for myself too. We had an elective caesarean at 39 weeks. The surgery was pain free and crucially for me, I felt confident and safe - something that was not natural for me in approaching birth. Shalini was close at hand to care for us before and afterwards. I made an excellent recovery and have healed extremely well. I recommend Dr Shalni in the strongest terms to mothers and families looking for private care at UCLH. Shalini is passionate about obstetrics, her patients and practising medicine. It is a great privilege to be cared for by a clinician at the top of her field, who clearly cares deeply about her patients.

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

From the moment I was diagnosed with a Meningioma to before I met my neurosurgeon, I was led through a feeling of uncertainty and worried about what the future would be for me. And then I met Professor Ashkan…not only did he provide every detail of the procedure, answered every question with patience with a calm and personable demeanour, but I realised I was meeting a man with an unbelievable blend of brilliance and human gentleness. I was not rushed or overwhelmed with medical terms, but I was given a detailed explanation of what the procedure entailed in a reassuring, kind and confident way. I knew there and then that I only wanted Professor Ashkan to perform my operation, and I totally believed, and now know, that he is the best of the best with the skill and experience of a genius with the hands of a master of his knowledge and expertise. My operation was a success and I cannot thank Professor Ashkan and his exceptional team enough and I feel so very lucky to have had such a remarkable and brilliant surgeon perform my Meningioma excision!

Spencer Private Hospital Margate

Pain Management, Audiology, + 12 more

The appointment and staff were great but please please please sort out the signage to your section of the hospital. I arrived at the QEQM an hour before my appointment as I knew parking at that time would be a nightmare. I was still trying to park 15 minutes before my appointment. I had to leave my car in a side road and hope it was a restricted area. I had to run from me side of the hospital to the other and no where on any map or sign was there anything saying where the Spencer hospital was. I eventually found the main reception who had to give me directions. I found the part I needed by pure chance. I arrived 4 minutes after my appointment time. This is the 3rd Spencer hospital I have visited within 5 weeks. It was the same story at K and C with no signs. WHH was the only one that had signage where I could find where I needed to go easily but again not listed on the main hospital maps.

Fortius Clinic London

Diagnostics & Testing, Hand Therapy, + 14 more

I had an outstanding experience at The Fortius Clinic. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely cared for and understood. The environment was calm, welcoming, and instantly put me at ease. Every member of the team showed exceptional kindness, expertise, and sincerity, which made me feel truly supported throughout my visit. Dr. Joideep Phadnis demonstrated the same remarkable professionalism and compassion—he took the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and personalise my treatment with great care. I left feeling confident, reassured, and extremely grateful. The Fortius Clinic’s dedication to empathy and exceptional patient care is truly extraordinary. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

One Hatfield Hospital

Geriatric Medicine, Neurology, + 21 more

It was such a brilliant experience. I had treatment for my frozen shoulder and the staff from the receptionists to the consultant to the assistant to the nurses were absolutely brilliant. As a business owner, I strive for this type of customer service and your staff are the best representatives of perfection in their offering. I would like to especially thank the cosultant who carried out the treatment and his assistant (I fainted a few times so forgot their names) who were exceptional. Thank you very much for a challenging evening into such a pleasure.

Clinicbe

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Medicine, Nutrition, + 1 more

I have been visiting the clinic for many years for injectables (Botox, Profhilo, Mesotherapy) and other skin care treatments (HIFU, Microneedling) and cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Kubicka and the rest of the team. They are utmost professionals and a very welcoming. I am given a personalised plan to ensure I have the best treatments for my skin and age. Appointments are never rushed, which I love. If I have any questions, relating to a treatment I haven't yet had, they always have the time to discuss. Highly recommend and will continue to return.

Dr. Sarah Dobson

Dentist

Sarah from my first visit made sure that any questions were answered and she put my mind at ease with any concerns I may of had, during my dental work when administering anaesthetic normally at other practices the pain was so bad but I didn’t feel a thing and the whole appointment was actually quite pleasant felt like I could openly talk she has such a warm and welcoming spirit to her which again before coming to this practice I’ve never really got so it really was amazing I could go on and on.

Mr Sam Dutta

General Surgeon

Dr. Dutta, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The quality of the surgery and the overall care were excellent. Dr. Dutta not only made me feel confident and well-informed, but his great sense of humour also helped ease any nerves I had before the procedure. The recovery has been smooth, and I truly appreciate the professionalism and warmth he brings to his work. If I ever need another operation in the future, I will definitely be requesting Dr. Dutta again. Highly recommended!

Mr Dan Brown

Neurosurgeon

I saw Mr Brown yesterday for a lower back pain problem that I have had ongoing for some years. He went through the image scan with me and explained very clearly the issues I was having, what could or could not be done and things to hopefully help. Very professional, helpful and friendly so I felt I could ask any questions. Full marks also to Tracey, Mr Brown's PA, who was very efficient and helpful in all aspects of the booking and paperwork submitted afterwards.

The Bluebird Centre

Nutrition, Psychology

I really value the support that I received from Maja - the use of an app to track my progress and receive regular feedback and prompts in between appointments was novel to me but proved to be a very valuable resource. Maja had a kind and sensible approach, gradually implementing new steps and challenges in a way that felt achievable and I have been able to relax around food and enjoy food again much quicker than I expected. Thank you.

Dr John Abraham

Psychiatrist

My experience was utterly lifchanging in a good way , dr John Abraham gave me everything I needed to get better he made sure I always had what was best for my health and my future , the only thing I would say is to not let people get admitted on a weekend because when I was first admitted I had nothing to keep me busy but overall him and all the stuff done everything they could to maximise my wellbeing and health ❤️

OSD Healthcare

Pain Management, Breast Surgery, + 47 more

Everyone was so lovely and helpful. I was very anxious but was put at ease and felt safe and well looked after. Premises were clean and comfortable. I was warm and as relaxed as I could be thanks to staff. I particularly felt very thankful and impressed by how my daughter was called and kept up to date in order to time her picking me up with an Uber. This meant a lot to us. Thank you.

Professor Xavier Griffin

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Professor Griffin carefully assessed my medical situation, asked questions, examined me, arranged x-rays that were carried out in a few minutes. We then discussed the outcome and agreed on a treatment plan. I had a blood test before I left the hospital. Everything was achieved professionally within about an hour! I was pleased and impressed.

Miss Laura Spanu

General Surgeon

I had seen Miss Spanu about the removal of a cyst and was so impressed with her professionalism and care that I had no concerns or fears about having the actual surgery when it came to it. The surgery went very well, my arm is recovering beautifully and if I ever have another cyst anywhere I very much hope she will be able to help me again.

I visited this clinic as I had terrible sciatica down my right leg and lower back pain. The osteopath was brilliant. Very helpful, knowledgeable and I have had 3 treatments so far and seen a huge improvement in my symptoms. I am back at work and able to enjoy life more. Thank you Mark for your treatments. I highly recommend this practice.