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Ahead4babies

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Paediatrics

Thank goodness we found you! My son was born with torticollis and, as a result, always slept on one side. We had no idea this would lead to the flattening of his head, especially since no advice was provided post-birth. He was subsequently diagnosed with Plagiocephaly and a 15mm asymmetry (which is classed as moderate). We felt incredibly let down by the initial lack of guidance. While repositioning could have helped in those early weeks, by the time we realised there was an issue, too much time had passed to correct it without intervention. Navigating the next steps was difficult, as we were faced with a plethora of misinformation. We had several NHS and private consultations, but no one could categorically tell us that a helmet would fix it. The "party line" from the NHS is that they don’t work, but I can now categorically say that is simply not true! We initially met with a different helmet company but got cold feet when they couldn't guarantee the results, they estimated a "best-case" improvement of only 9mm. Following a discussion with Bassel Zebian, a Paediatric Neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital, he recommended we see Dr. Stenhouse at Ahead4babies. After discovering that two of our friends had also used them, we felt reassured enough to reach out. From the very first phone call, we were sold. They were clear about what to expect, answered all our questions, and confirmed they could get the asymmetry down to 0mm. Knowing the clinic is run by craniofacial surgeons gave us total peace of mind that we were in good hands. Dr. Stenhouse, who carried out our son’s treatment, is a Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon at King’s College Hospital. He is incredibly honest about expected outcomes and will not recommend a helmet if it isn't truly necessary. After the first meeting, you are given the space to digest the information and decide whether or not to proceed. This was a breath of fresh air compared to other companies that seem to focus more on profit than actual need. While other helmets might look "flashier," they often work by removing layers as the head grows. In my opinion, this is far less effective than Dr. Stenhouse’s approach, as he bespokely trims the inside of the helmet to accurately adapt to the head as it grows. Our son wore his helmet for 17 weeks in total. We eventually agreed it was time to stop at 1mm asymmetry rather than risk overcorrection. Throughout the process, the 24/7 WhatsApp support team was fantastic, making the entire journey incredibly smooth. To any parents in doubt, if your child has moderate or severe asymmetry and you are past the first 12 weeks where repositioning is most effective, get the helmet! It is extremely unlikely to improve significantly on its own. It is also VERY important that you take action early while their head is still soft to see faster results, ideally as soon as they can support their head (around 4–5 months). I hope this helps other parents navigating this process. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on social media. I’ll leave you with a picture of the result, one happy baby with a perfectly shaped head!

Sainsbury Wing or Wolfson Fertility Centre at Hammersmith Hospital

Dermatology, Endocrinology & Diabetes, + 9 more

I waited over an hour to be seen for my pre admission appointment. After being admitted and been shown to my room I was left for 5 hours in a cold room without anyone checking on me or giving me information about when my operation would be. Staff only turned up when I called and was then able to get some water as I was then advised that my operation was being delayed for a few hours. Short staffed. Slow to respond to buzzer calls. Staff always seemed to be busy doing something else other than looking after patients. Quite noisy ward during the day with people’s loud voices/laughing. Outdated facilities, no overhead bed light so had to have the main big room lights on all the time, which I could not control. I was moved to a different room after my operation as the first one did not have sufficient heating. The en-suite bathrooms are very outdated. Very short shower hose. In my second room there were 2 Rentokill boxes in shower. 50% of staff were friendly. I had major abdominal surgery. My night nurse was very compassionate and took very good care of me for 2 nights. I was discharged with the insufficient amount of painkillers to take home and without a physio assessment or much information about what symptoms to look out for and how to help recovery. I had to contact my own GP to get enough painkillers. Once discharged I had to walk with my husband all the way to the car at the pickup parking as there was no porter or wheelchair available. I had given 1h notice and then let her know again 10minutes before my husband arrived to collect me.

Daleswood Aesthetics

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Medicine, Dermatology

I booked a consultation with Daleswood Aesthetics online and attended to discuss one of their treatments (Emsella). The treatment was explained fully and I booked a course of six treatments. I have had two treatments so far and I am very impressed with the level of service and how professional all of the team are. They pay attention to detail and ensure your experience with them is outstanding. The treatment rooms are clean, modern and impressive. The treatments they offer are leading edge and deliver results. After two sessions, I am already seeing results. They have a large waiting room and a good size car park. They have thought of everything to make your visit as easy and welcoming as possible. I highly recommend Daleswood Aesthetics.

Cathedral Eye Clinic

Ophthalmology, Optometry

I had been considering eye surgery and attended Cathedral Eye Clinic to get a second opinion, having already spoken with a consultant in Dublin. Putting it simply, my experience in Belfast was far superior. The team at Cathedral ran a more comprehensive range of tests, assigned more time and personnel to my case, and were far better at talking through my options. In particular, I was very pleased that they were willing to give me their honest perspectives based on what they felt was best for me in the long run. Ultimately (based on their guidance), I decided not to go forward with any additional procedure at this time, but should I need treatment further down the line, I will not hesitate to go back to Belfast.

The Lister Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK

Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, + 12 more

Once I arrived on the day of my surgery, the nurses were great in making sure I was fully prepared. The only questionable experience I had was that the physio who visited me before the surgery caused some confusion, as the exercises she showed me to do during the first three weeks were not what Prof. Field had said. Also it seemed odd that the physio visited me before the surgery, rather than after. Hence I ended up staying the night and saw Yannis, a different physio, the following morning, who was incredibly helpful. However, the experience overall was great, and Prof. Field and Dr Hussain, along with the day and night nurses, made me feel very comfortable and looked after me well.

UK Vein Clinic - Reading

Vascular Surgery

The assessment was very thorough but efficient at the same time. The team on-site put me at ease, demonstrated confidence in their abilities and ensured I understood the problem and potential next steps. The practical next steps (eg costs, timescale and dates) were not the focus of this appointment and therefore, at no point did I feel a pressure to commit. The focus was more on the calibre of staff who would manage my next procedure and we also discussed any medical concerns I had. I walked out of the session thinking why on earth have I held back so long on getting this treatment done! Thanks to the team both the Dr and Fabrizio were incredibly professional and welcoming.

Spencer Private Hospital Canterbury

Cardiology, Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology), + 6 more

The waiting area had few chairs and not enough for the people waiting. The people around there that gave me paperwork and told me where to wait, were polite and helpful. The appointment with the consultant was really distressing, I couldn't ask questions and didn't discussed with me the plan, just set up steps without getting me involved on her treatment plan. This experience was very negative from what I expected when you go to a professional asking for advice and reviewing if your body is working well. The consultant is not on the list from next step: dr Anastasia Goumenou, gynecologist

Pure Sports Medicine - Moorgate

Nutrition, Osteopathy, + 4 more

I'd laboured under my shoulder injury for 6 months, and Chris was able to achieve vast improvements in comfort and ability within weeks. Chris was impressively professional and meticulous, a pleasure to visit and I always felt willing to go the extra mile to explain the process to me and make detailed recommendations. This has really brought about a transformation in my quality of life, and I'm delighted to be back doing the things I love. Almost two months after first visiting the clinic, I am fully recovered- absolutely game-changing, could not recommend enough.

Dr Turab Syed

Orthopaedic Surgeon

This was a follow up after an intial appointment 6 months ago which was a negative experience, I was however sent for an MRI without much hope of help in the future.just more pain! Attended MRI mistakenly procedure was for the wrong foot. Persuaded the Radiographer to do other one she did however take the affected foot, proving severe arthritis exists in my foot. Distressed to get result yesterday and would have liked a definite follow up appointment not just I think will be seeing you in the future

Mr Robert H Taylor

Ophthalmologist

Mr Taylor has been my son’s ophthalmologist since he was 8 weeks old. He has always given me very clear explanations regarding my son’s vision and the possible complications surrounding it. He’s always kind and compassionate and really listens when I’m explaining what I see at home. My sons vision is particularly complex due to multiple disabilities which makes everything that bit harder, but Mr Taylor always goes above and beyond to do what he can, within the parameters of my sons capability.

᠎ Liz Robson

Physiotherapist

I have seen Liz several times over many years and she has always been excellent. She listens carefully, gives clear explanations and suggestions, and her pragmatic approach means she is superb at providing advice, treatment and exercises which are achievable and effective. Her ability to identify and resolve issues quickly is notable and it is all done in a professional and very friendly manner. I have heartily recommended her to others and will continue to do so. Thank you.

Mr Colin Holton

Orthopaedic Surgeon

My initial consultation with Mr Holton was excellent, he is very personable, with a very easy manner, explained all the options and risks and agreed on a plan. The hip replacement went perfectly and everything Mr Holton explained from the pain to the recovery time was exactly as he had predicted. Physio went very well 10 weeks after the op I was back playing golf, 12 months later i have better movement on my replacement left hip than my right one.

Dr Abdul Nassimizadeh

ENT Surgeon

Dr Abdul Nasaimizadeh done a great job on my nose talking through everything with me. Just had my follow-up appointment and pleased to say everything is great no problems at all. Dr Nassimizadeh is friendly & professional and puts you at ease, even asking if you have any questions or concerns and he’s happy to answer. In my opinion this doctor is a great asset to the NHS. Can’t praise him enough…

Dr. Renata Karaliene

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Renata is really great. Warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. She is to the point and very clear, which I like. Would highly recommend (and I have seen many gynaecologists). All the staff I have come across are professional, polite, kind, and helpful. The prices are also very fair compared to other London doctors I have seen, which, in my case, has made continued access to private care possible.

Dr Carol Xie

ENT Surgeon

Dr Xie was very polite and professional, explaining things clearly and with an appropriate level of detail. She seemed very confident when meeting us before surgery which helped to put us at ease. At the post-op she was very good and more personable which was nice. She never talked down to us like we have experienced with other surgeons. I am glad our surgery went ahead with Dr Xie.

Dr. Paraskevi Theocharis

Paediatric Cardiologist

It was a pleasure to be seen by Dr Theocharis. She is very professional and knowledgeable doctor with no doubt. She has not only provided a high level medical assessment, but also has broaden my personal views on private & nhs healthcare, which made a significant shift to my personal perception of how the things should be done. Thank you. I really appreciate your honesty.