Dr Alan Hakim

Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

I had high hopes for this appointment and I was not disappointed. I’ve seen so many consultants over the years, but never have I had such an amazing appointment. It was relaxed, thorough, informative and all my questions were answered. If all medical personnel had the same bedside manner there’d be rave reviews for them all. Unfortunately, that’s not the case which only allows me therefore to extol the virtues of this one! Dr Hakim - thank you: you exceeded expectation.

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Trust

Listening

Written by a carer at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

I contacted Dr. Hakim two years into my daughter's diagnosis with EDS, MCAS and POTS due to many frustrations. An appointment was offered in good time and I sent via email all relevant documentation which Dr. Hakim had obviously read before the appointment so that no time was wasted in the appointment going over history. At the end of a most professional but compassionate meeting he had resolved many issues that my daughter had been subjected to through no fault of her own. He took control and thoroughly addressed each and every one of the major issues one by one. I left the meeting feeling so grateful that going forward my daughter will have better direction in being able to deal with this condition under his guidance. Having seen many specialists over the past three years, Dr. Hakim's responses to our predicament have exceeded any gone before. Emails have been answered immediately - I even received a response sent four minutes after I had messaged at 21.57 hours. Exceptional care.

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Listening

Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

I have seen Dr Hakim twice now. I have seen several doctors in the past and been dismissed as attention seeking. I saw him first in Dec 2012 as a result of a 25year search for answers. He was the first doctor who actually listened to me. He was very gentle examining my joints and asked me lots of questions. He was able to link together a list of seemingly unrelated things as all part of my hEDS. The report helped with adjustments at work and enabled me to keep working longer. I cried with relief all the way home. I saw him again last week (Jan18). He was as lovely as I remember. Again he listened without judgement and wrote a letter for my GP. His recommendations are invaluable. I have spent the intervening years sharing my positive experience and recommending him as much as I can to those looking for help. I cannot recommend him enough. I'm just so glad I found him. It makes such a difference knowing there is someone on your side, fighting in your corner.

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Listening

Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

For me, it was almost an emotional experience to be diagnosed with hEDS and finally validated after 46 years of trying to get my symptoms taken seriously by GPs and other specialists. The whole process of diagnosis with Dr Hakim was like nothing I'd experienced before. He'd obviously read my medical history He asked questions and then he actively listened to the answers He was thorough in terms of my physical examination He was clear about my diagnosis and the limited options available to me He was compassionate, sensitive, professional and treated me with dignity and respect throughout the consultation He told me not to hesitate to contact him at any time if I had any queries, I did email him on two separate occasions and he responded the following day both times He said I'd have a copy of my outpatient letter within 2 weeks and I did My outpatient letter was concise but also comprehensive I now know what I'm actually up against and I can finally see a way forward. Although Dr Hakim confirmed hEDS, he did it in such a way that it actually left me feeling positive. There were no negative elements to the consultation and I cannot recommend him highly enough

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Listening

Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

There are so many reasons why I have given Dr Alan Hakim a 5 star review and I don't want to launch into an essay about why, so hopefully these bullet points will help: - he had clearly read all the information (and there was lots) that I had sent prior to our appointment - responded quickly to every email exchange - treated me like a grown up with valid opinions. We didn't have any differing opinions but I get the distinct impression that if mine did differ to his he would still have treated me with respect - highly knowledgeable about his subject areas - able to make good suggestions as to appropriate treatment plans but understood that I am the decision maker - listened to my opinion and accepted my experience; didn't try to dictate what my experience was and tell me that I was wrong - was friendly and sympathetic AND completely professional - was able to give me a diagnosis that made sense - I left the appointment with dignity and hope and a clear view of what happens next In all honesty, I don't have any improvement suggestions for Dr Hakim, but I can think of quite a few other doctors and consultants that could learn from his approach.

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Listening