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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!

Mr Jonathan Collier

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

I was referred to Mr. Collier for a complex tooth extraction and reconstruction as a result of radiotherapy I had many years ago. Unfortunately, I was not able to benefit from Mr.Collier’s reputed surgical skills as his office administration team are truly the worst I have ever experienced. I see another reviewer has commented as follows :’ My minor quibble is with the administration team where there could be some room for improvement.’ It took over 2 months of dealings with Ana Lopes and Elizabeth Sey until I became so distressed with the situation that I could not go ahead with the planned procedure, and decided to find somebody else whom I felt I could entrust to do my procedure. My issues have been as follows : 1. Extremely slow or non-existent communication with responses often taking 3–4 weeks, if they came at all. 2. Unreliable scheduling, with initial procedure dates offered and then changed without notice, which happened four times in a row. 3. Significant confusion and inconsistency around the costs of the procedure. It took over 2 months before we had an actual estimate of the costs and were given less than 24 hours to agree it (which we had to pay up front, see below), or be charged for cancelling the procedure! 4. Failure to facilitate treatment under our BUPA medical insurance. We have BUPA medical and dental cover, which we made clear from the start, and Mr Collier is registered with them. Despite the fact that the initial consultation was covered and BUPA confirmed in writing that the planned procedure would be covered in full, the admin team gave unclear, conflicting and incorrect information. They clearly wanted us to pay up front (£2,830.00) and reclaim from our insurance and not deal direct with BUPA, as every other consultant I had used over the years has done. This is an unusual way of dealing with health insurance providers and very unhelpful to clients. 5. At no point did the admin team provide the clarity, reassurance, or support we would reasonably expect. We have of course raised these concerns in detail with Mr Collier’s office, but after 4 weeks (!) their response back leaves us knowing that nothing will change. They don’t want to deal with medically insured clients and therefore should state that, and save us from a lot of wasted time and stress. Rather than ‘room for improvement’ I would suggest Mr Collier changes his team. He could not do worse.

Newmedica Newcastle

Ophthalmology

I was referred to Newmedica Newcastle for eye cataract surgery by my optician. I had my first eye surgery done in September, and my second eye done in December. I received excellent service from all the Newmedica colleagues whenever I visited; for my pre-surgery consultation, the surgeries themselves, and the post-surgery visits. Those working on the reception were friendly and made me feel welcome. The waiting area was clean and tidy, with hot drinks available. The colleagues who did the testing, pre-surgery administration, and post-surgery follow up checks were all very knowledgeable. They took me through the surgery preparations, explaining the process as they went, putting me at ease and answering any questions. After surgery they made sure I was aware of what I needed to do over the following three weeks to ensure my eyes healed completely. The surgical team were very proficient, and I felt I was in safe hands. The procedure was explained at every step, putting me at ease. The consultant for my first procedure was Nicholas Wride. The procedure itself took just under 3 minutes, which I had not expected, as internet searches indicated it would take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. I was so impressed and, as I was told I could have the same consultant for the cataract removal procedure on my second eye, I didn’t hesitate to ask for Nicholas Wride again. My second procedure was equally as expertly performed, and this time took 3 minutes 20 seconds. There was no pain during the procedures and only very slight discomfort straight afterwards. Other than the pain relief eye drops that were put in for the surgical procedure, I didn’t need to take any painkillers at all. The hardest part for me was remembering to use the post-surgery eye drops the clinic provided, as my eyes felt that good. Three weeks after surgery, I attended the clinic for post-surgery follow up checks. I was signed off from the clinic after the follow up check on my second eye. My vision is now excellent, and I only need to use reading glasses for small print. Before the surgery I wore varifocal lens glasses at all times. I wasn’t expecting the improvements in my sight to be quite so good, so I’m pleased I took up the opportunity to have my cataracts removed and really pleased that it was Newmedica Newcastle who did the procedures and looked after me and my sight so well. Thank you Newmedica!

One Ashford Hospital

Audiology, Cardiology, + 22 more

I arrived at 13.20 for my appointment with the nurse and informed the receptionist that I had three appointments 1) nurse 2) Mr Consigliere 3 ) physiotherapist. She informed me that she would note my presence for the first two but that I needed to tell physiotherapist separately. I saw the nurse on time and informed the receptionist I was now ready for my 2pm appointment with mr Consigliere. At 2.15 I asked receptionist if Mr Consigliere was running late ? Also that I was surprised he had not asked me to have an X-ray. At this point the receptionist informed me that my 2pm appointment with mr Consigliere had been cancelled. I asked by whom. At this point there was obviously some confusion and I was asked to sit down whilst they investigated. Some minutes later I was told “something “ had gone wrong but Mr Consigliere had asked me to have an X-ray and he would see me after my physiotherapist appointment. When I saw Mr Consigliere at around 3.45pm he informed me that my bone was not attached to the metal plate in my elbow. The ligaments and muscles were keeping it in place. Mr Consigliere wished to see what would happen over the next few weeks before making a decision.

St Joseph’s Hospital

Audiology, Cardiology, + 22 more

I came into St Joseph’s on the 10th of January for a Abdominoplasty procedure, from entering the hospital and being greeted professionally by the reception, to the assistant who came down to reception to collect me and show me your my room, went smoothly and l would say, the highest stand l have had at a private hospital. The ward staff attended to me immediately, carried out their pre-op checks, were very informative in terms of time of the procedure etc, l couldn’t have been made more comfortable and cared for. The cleanliness and room was outstanding, l have had a number of stays at private hospitals over a period of 15 years and St Joseph’s is the leader from all parts of the service provided, your hospital should be used to show others how to set the highest standards, which you certainly excel at. Mr Wilson was outstanding too, from our initial consultation to the surgery and aftercare. I recurved a call from St Joseph’s on the 3 day after being discharged to check on my progress, which l wasn’t expecting but very much appreciated it. I have received the highest of care and everyone l met was amazing. Thank you for everything you did for me.

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green

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

I always have a good experience when visiting the practice. The staff are always friendly. However, on the last visit I think there are things you guys need to review. I was in for a gel injection into my knee which was being carried out by Mr Dehne in the theatre. He had previously confirmed that it would be a simple procedure and that after a short time I would be fine to drive home. However, on arrival it was clear that the team believed I was in for a knee replacement. I was shown to my own room, asked to select from the menu for the following day, and given medication that I assume I didn't require! Further more, the team were loathed to let me drive home and I had to wait a couple of hours until they could check with Mr Dehne that it would be ok as all the paperwork confirmed otherwise. The theatre staff were double checking with me the reason for my visit so there was a checking procedure in place but you may need to review why there was confusion in the first place.

Mr Jayanth Paniker

Orthopaedic Surgeon

I’m so pleased that I chose Mr Paniker to complete the Carpel Tunnel procedure on my left hand. On the consultation meeting, he listened to my concerns; carried out a number of tests; and explained clearly what to expect before during and after the surgery. On the day of my surgery, Mr Paniker visited me beforehand and through his professional and empathic manner he helped me feel relaxed communicating well the logistics of the whole morning. After the procedure, he came to check everything was ok and encouraged me to start moving my fingers to aid recovery. My wound has healed very well with no sign of scarring, due to his thought in its positioning. I attended a follow up meeting during which Mr Paniker again answered my questions and concerns, helping me mange my expectations for gaining full recovery. I would very much recommend Mr Paniker and I will be very happy for him to complete the same surgery on my right hands when deemed necessary.

Dr. Derek Ho

Ophthalmologist

I am extremely happy that I chose Dr Derek Ho to perform my cataract surgery. He took his time to explain to me over the phone the different options and to make a recommendation when I asked him to. In the end I went with his suggestion of having a toric EMV lens in both eyes done at the same time. On the day of surgery he was very calm, polite and caring. His surgical skills are second to none. I felt reassured that I was in very experienced and capable hands. I could not believe that the treatment was completely pain free and smooth and easy. I could see very clearly after the operation straight away. Two days after the procedure I am totally amazed by how well I can see. I can now see better than I have ever been able to with glasses when I was younger. A truly transformative operation. I am so grateful to Dr Ho for what he has done for me. He is a great surgeon. Thank you so much Dr Ho!

Mr Winston Justin

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Having been under Mr Justin’s care for 5 years, following a tubo ovarian abscess and pelvic inflammatory disease, stemming from my appendix (all successfully resolved), I decided to undergo a total laparoscopic hysterectomy as a result of ongoing symptoms caused by adenomyosis. Mr Justin’s care, expertise, knowledge and meticulous approach throughout has been invaluable to me, enabling me to make informed decisions, prepare for the surgery and recover well, to achieve the best outcome. The follow up consultation (7 weeks post surgery) provided me with further information and reassurance about the surgery, and certain answers that provided, and the confidence that I can now move on from the issues of the past 5 years. I would (and have) trusted Mr Justin with my life. He is a superb consultant and surgeon, a consummate professional and a caring, kind person.

Mr Hywel Davies

Orthopaedic Surgeon

From my first visit Mr Davies was From my initial appointment at Spire Healthcare, I found all staff to be extremely informative, professional, and helpful. Upon meeting my surgeon, Mr Davies, he provided clear and comprehensive information regarding my knee replacement surgery and took the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly. The theatre, nursing, and ward staff were excellent from the moment I arrived for surgery through to my discharge, and I felt well cared for throughout my stay. I would highly recommend Mr Davies. The high standard of care I received meant that I felt completely at ease and had no hesitation in returning three months later to undergo my second knee replacement.

Mr Thomas White

Orthopaedic Surgeon

I had three recent hip operations with Mr Thomas White. I was awake under spinal anaesthetic and felt completely safe from the start, as it was clear he was very much in control in the operating theatre. His calm confidence and steady manner put me at ease, especially as I was dealing with a huge personal loss and felt very vulnerable. I am now pain free after suffering from severe debilitating osteoarthritis for many years. He is a brilliant surgeon and I would not hesitate to see him again. I would also wholeheartedly recommend him to my family and friends if the need arises. I will always be grateful for his dedication and everything he has done for me. He has changed my life.

One Hatfield Hospital

Geriatric Medicine, Neurology, + 21 more

Main reception lovely and consultant was great. Imaging receptionist was blunt and frankly dismissive. Now paying invoice for consultation the original price was quoted on phone I found it’s £20 more which isn’t much but when you are self funding every £20 counts! When I complained I was directed to the fees as outlined on my original appointment letter which state it would not exceed £150 which it obviously doesn't but it wasn’t explained that the figure quoted on phone was only an estimate. Pricing should be communicated more clearly for those who don’t have insurance. So far, apart from consultant, a disappointment.

Newmedica Norfolk

Ophthalmology

I have just had private cataract surgery at Newmedica Norwich, it was an exemplary experience, the staff were so welcoming and the surgeon, Mr Anas Injarie fully explained the procedure and delivered an amazing result. I no longer need contact lens, which I have been wearing for 50 years. Two months earlier Newmedica removed the cataract in my other eye under the NHS. That was a wonderful experience , going private for my remaining eye gave me the flexibility of appointment dates and a premium lens for the best possible vision. I now regret delaying the surgery, I now have two new eyes.

Dr. Mohamed Aly

General Surgeon

I had an excellent experience with Dr Mohamed Aly. His expertise and depth of knowledge as a consultant upper gastrointestinal surgeon were clear throughout the consultation. He listened carefully, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and explained my condition and options in a clear and reassuring way. I felt fully involved in decisions about the next steps in my care. His professional, calm, and patient focused approach inspired real confidence. I would highly recommend Dr Aly to anyone seeking outstanding specialist care.

Devonshire Diagnostic Centre

Urology, Cardiology, + 6 more

What do we patients want?A succesful doctor, A respectful body language, easy communication?Do you want a pair of eyes that can look at you lovingly when you open your eyes?Who knows?May be all of them...Of course,we patients do not know whether we will die or stay. However, the bond between the patient and the doctor is very important. I am very glad to have met personely, l find it valuable that you can establish a one _on_one human and positive bond with your patients. Thank you Mr Zafer... Mr A.I.

Mr Kevin Turner

Urologist

From the outset of my treatment, Kevin has been a constant source of encouragement and support. He has taken time to go through any issues I may have and ensured I kept a positive mindset with regard to outcomes. He was recommended to me as a high quality surgeon and that has proved to be the case, but just as importantly his compassion and understanding are first class