Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

Whenever any of us is ill or anxious about a diagnosis, what we most need is to be in the care of skilled, dedicated and compassionate health care professionals, to help us through a difficult and worrying time. What we want, in fact is ‘great care’ and this is what I have received from everyone at the King Edward VII Hospital, who has looked after me over the past few months, since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My consultant is Mr Paul Thiruchelvam and I count myself extremely lucky that happy chance led me to his breast clinic. The moment I met him, I felt an immediate rapport and I was confident I was in safe hands. Apart from his skill as a surgeon, he has warmth and empathy and puts his patients at ease. He explained everything very clearly and gave me confidence, at what was a difficult time. Mr Thiruchelvam is committed to his patients and I have always received exceptional care from him. Every single member of the Breast Care team that I have met on my visits to the unit, over the last couple of months, has made my journey so much easier by their relaxed, positive attitude, kindness, and compassion. No matter how busy the department may be, time is never an issue when it comes to making sure all questions are answered satisfactorily and reassurance and support given and this is particularly true of the Breast Care Nurses, Amelia Cook and Helen Froyd. Helen, who has been looking after me with great compassion and good humour, took the trouble of calling me several times during her weekend off, to sort out an issue I was having and contacted Mr Thiruchelvam who came in early on the Sunday morning to sort out the problem, before going into surgery to perform an eight-hour operation. Such dedication, I feel, is second to none and was much appreciated by me. In fact, I have nothing but praise for the King Edward VIIth Hospital and all who work there, from the staff in Reception, patients first contact with the hospital, those in administration and all the medical staff and I am very happy that I chose to be treated in such an outstanding hospital. With kind regards Ann C Twining

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital

Mr Paul Thiruchelvam was the consultant and surgeon who removed a cancerous lump from my left breast. From the actual diagnosis to surgery, I only had to wait two and a half weeks. In this time, I saw Paul on four occasions - the last occasion being on the day of surgery itself. In the lead up to surgery, he carefully discussed where the cancer was and the options regarding how to remove the lump. In the end we discussed a 'flap'. I am only a small breasted woman (34b) and it seemed the most obvious choice to have the incision along the curve of the breast (ie where the breast meets the rest of the torso) - and then incising downwards to create a flap. That flap allows the lump to be removed and some fat from under the breast to be pulled up to retain the original shape of the breast. In the days after the operation, I was surprised by the lack of pain I felt and was extremely happy with the breast itself. It looked prefect. I met Paul again two weeks after surgery. Again, he was kind but practical in giving back the results - answering questions I had carefully and giving me clear next steps. At every stage of the process, I was treated with the utmost care and consideration. Orla, the senior nurse who was with Paul in each meeting, was also the most sensitive and caring practitioner. Together, they ensured I did not feel unduly scared or nervous. In fact, the whole process was incredibly reassuring. My journey has not yet ended as I am waiting for one more result before my treatment plan is decided but I thank both Paul and Orla very much for making what was a daunting experience much easier to deal with.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer through regular screening at Imperial College Health Trust. I met Mr Thiruchelvam at Charing Cross and he told me I had a Grade 1 cancer that needed to be surgically removed and that the prognosis was good. I asked him if I could be referred to a private clinic and he offered to take me on as a patient at King Edward VII's hospital close to where I live. From the outset I felt very confident with Mr Thiruchelvam as he explained everything very clearly and was extremely thorough. I had an MRI which picked up something he did not like so he sent me for a full body PET scan. Luckily that was all clear. I then had a biopsy of one lymph node which again was clear. Now I was ready for the surgery. The surgery turned out much better that I had anticipated. There is virtually no change in my breast as a result of the incredibly skilled work of Mr Thiruchelvam and no pain as a result of his referring me to Dr Matt Brown for pre-surgical advice and medication. I am now waiting for the next stage of my journey - radiotherapy and ongoing medication. I feel extremely confident that I have had the best treatment I could possibly have had. Mr Thiruchelvam is not only a highly skilled surgeon he really understands what his patients want and listens to their needs and concerns.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

I do not know where to start. When the results of my biopsy was shared and I was told that I have the dreaded "C". I was numb. I had an inkling this was the case since I was recalled for further tests. Our lives were literally turned upside down. The NHS surgeon was fantastic and supportive. We had decided to use our health insurance. He strongly recommended Paul, if a family member was in this situation he would refer to Paul. From our initial contact with Michelle on 28 October, the ball started rolling swiftly. Throughout this process she has been on the ball. My husband Satish and I had our first consultation with Paul on the same day. He had already reviewed the results of my tests and explained what the next steps would be. His knowledge, understanding and manner in which he went through my diagnosis, made us feel at ease and confident that we are in safe hands. Paul referred me for a range of scans, MRI's etc which resulted in further biopsies carried out by Neil, Sarah and Fiona who were extremely understanding, made me feel comfortable and reassured me that all these were being done because Paul is thorough, and does not leave a stone unturned. Not forgetting Amelia who is incredible, always available to answer my queries. In the absence of Amelia, Helen stepped in and ensured that I was fully supported. When my surgery details were finalised I had a wobble, thankfully Paul and Amelia were patient with me and made sure my queries were answered, and referred me to Adil for another opinion before we proceeded with the next steps. Today is 24 January 2023, I have undergone a lumpectomy and thereafter LICAP reconstruction and recovering well. The anaesthetists James and Chris helped me with my anxiety prior to my surgeries. Paul kept my husband Satish updated after each surgery. The pain management has been awesome, it keeps me comfortable. Paul has referred me to Suzan, preparatory work is underway for me to start radiotherapy next week and hormonal treatment. Thanks to Paul and his wonderful team for the fantastic care and support. Paul, Satish, Shraiya and I are indebted to you for saving my life. Even though I feel as though my body has taken a hammering, it is worth it. I know this isn't the end, this is the start of regular scans etc. but this will increase the possibility of me being around to take care of my grand children. Throughout this process every other professional I came in to contact with demonstrated immense respect for Paul. I have also done some research on Paul before my first appointment, all his reviews are spot on, he keeps up to date with latest trends and developments in his field, is a honorary senior lecturer, involved in clinical trials and does further work in USA. I have given my breast cancer a name, tofani, meaning naughty. Paul has destroyed tofani. From an extremely grateful patient, Anita.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

After my first consultation with Paul Thiruchelvam I felt secure that I was in safe hands and that my breast cancer would be dealt with aptly and efficiently. It was a frightening experience to be diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer but Paul was informative and reassuring in his presentation, analysis and solutions. He has a very impressive team that added to that sense of security from Michelle Wright his practice manager who responded efficiently to questions, to Daniel Lee and Adil Khan who provided instructive insight into their respective reconstruction specialities and to Suzy Cleator the oncologist who advised on longer term management. I must also mention Amelia Cook my breast nurse who I found so relatable and comforting - with the ability to always respond reassuringly to difficult questions. This difficult period in my life has been made palatable by Paul and his amazing team.

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