Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2023-10-12 Person 5 5 0

I am very grateful to have been referred to Charing Cross Breast Services where I saw Mr Thiruchelvam at my biopsy results appointment. I have a complex health history with chronic conditions, so had a lot of important questions regarding treatment options and things that needed to be considered. Despite it being a very short appointment, he was generous in answering my questions and was clearly very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, due to the busyness of the NHS list my follow up and subsequent surgery would not have been with him if I had stayed in the NHS. After a bit of research, I contacted Mr Thiruchelvam’s practice manager (Michelle) to explore an option to see him privately. She was extremely helpful, and I saw him for a private consultation a week later. Mr Thiruchelvam spent the time to explain my treatment options, answered all my questions and demonstrated a lot of care, expertise, and empathy. It is very hard to navigate a health system and pathway as a patient, and you need to feel empowered, listened to and supported. I felt this from Michelle and Mr Thiruchelvam throughout the process. I had my surgery on the 15th of September at King Edward VII hospital. It was a significant investment, which I am grateful to have been able to choose, but the best decision. Mr Thiruchelvam is obviously extremely busy but takes the time to speak to you several times pre-surgery, went out of his way to answer specific questions in relation to my pre-existing conditions, and brought a very experienced anaesthetist (Dr Poncia) into the team who was also extremely kind, professional, and made me feel like I was in very safe hands. The cancer specialist nurses (Helen and Amelia) have been great and continue to support post-surgery, and the nurses on the ward at King Edward VII hospital were amazing in their kindness and support through my overnight stay. I am still in recovery but can’t believe the results of the surgery. The aesthetic results are beyond my expectations. Mr Thiruchelvam got all the cancer out and his expertise in lymph saving surgery, meant I only had 2 nodes taken. I have had a lot of experience with healthcare professionals in the mainstream healthcare system, which has not always been positive. Mr Thiruchelvam has restored my faith in senior healthcare professionals. He is clearly professionally excellent, but also takes you seriously as a patient, doesn’t patronise you, listens, and has a high standard for quality care and outcomes.