Mr Adam Howard

I was exceedingly pleased to receive great care and attention from Mr Howard with regards to my lymphodema. I would certainly see him again and recommend him to others, if only all Doctors were as good as him.

I had large varicose veins in both my legs which Mr. Howard assessed and suggested a treatment plan. He made me feel comfortable about the procedures that I would need and I always felt that I was in good hands. I had a series of 6 procedures over a period of around 18 months all of which went really well individually and collectively, with no noticeable pain, discomfort or other side effects. I am very happy with the results and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mr. Howard to anyone! Thank you.

Mr Howard cared for my late farther’s problems with clots doing some amazing procedures to put stents in. I will forever thank him for the years we gained thanks to this man. The only doctor at Colchester hospital I will ever trust.

After suffering from painful and unsightly Varicose veins for years I was referred to Mr Howard. From the first consultation he was nothing short of excellent, explaining absolutely everything. Being needle phobic the scheduled procedures were worrying to say the least but Mr Howard with his calm manner was very reassuring and put me at ease. I certainly couldn't be happier with the results, the change has been amazing and that is all down to Mr Howard and his fantastic team!

Mr Howard was extremely helpful in describing my procedure and putting me at ease. He was also very friendly and professional throughout the process.

Mr Howard, is a very competent person , he always explains everything to us and makes you feel at ease, he’s very good at his job and we always come home feeling happy with the treatment we have got from him . Mr Adam Howard is a very caring person.we have been seeing him for a number of years and have never had any issues with my care and treatment

I had vascular Vein Surgery on my left leg back in August The whole medical team were amazing and informative put my worries at ease. Follow up calls and appointments. I had the second part of my procedure in January 2025 Mr Howard was reassuring thorough and very informative about all my questions.

Over a course 3 treatments in a year, (my choice of timings). All procedures were completed by Mr Howard. Initially I had EVLA and avulsions followed up with two sets of foam sclerotherapy all performed at the Vein Centre, Colchester (the location does not exist in this forum). Initially I had some concerns about possible infections, pain management and other potential complications, as this is not a hospital location. From the start I was put as ease by Mr Howard, who clearly explained, the viability of the location, the procedure and the risks. My legs were in a poor condition, but the care and time taken has left me delighted with the results. In particular during the first and main procedure great care was taken to minimise pain (I actually felt virtually none) and the time taken went way over the allowed schedule in order for Mr Howard to do a thorough job and he would not be rushed, an outcome that fully for my benefit. I would have no hesitation in consulting Mr Howard again in future. Thanks

Following a DVT behind my right knee in May 2020, I began to get eczema on my lower right leg. I was referred to the Dermatologist who examined my leg and then referred me to a Vascular Surgeon. My first appointment with Mr Adam Howard was at the beginning of March, 2023 and I felt immediately comfortable and confident with this young man. After examination and completing a Doppler test on both legs, he explained what he considered to be my best option; he took time to explain a procedure called an Ablation. I was also given a leaflet which explained the procedure and risks that could/may occur. I felt confident in his diagnosis so agreed to have this procedure done under a local anaesthetic. I signed the paperwork at the end of the appointment A few days later I had a further Doppler test with a Technician who confirmed the areas on my legs that needed attention. A letter arrived from Mr Howard explaining what would be involved for the Ablation. Following the second Doppler test, I had a telephone consultation with Howard in April when he confirmed that it was safe for me to go ahead to have the procedure. He also explained that if the procedure was not done, there could be a risk associated with ulceration of my legs which would be hard to treat. This comment galvanised my decision to go ahead with the procedure which was booked for the 6th June, under a local anaesthetic. In preparation, I ceased taking Warfarin 5 days prior to the procedure. On the 5th June I had a Clexane injection. I woke early on the 6th June, had a shower, enjoyed my breakfast and was driven to the Oaks Hospital, feeling both excited and apprehensive as I arrived at 7.45a.m. I was taken to the day ward and given a single room to await the procedure. Mr Howard arrived, chatted about the procedure and then marked my legs ready for the procedure to be done. I was by still experiencing a mixture of emotions but it was time to relax, gather my thoughts and be happy that today I was going to have the Ablation done. A nurse came into the room to ask questions, confirm my name and date of birth etc and then I was asked to put on a gown that been laid on the bed ready for me to put on. I was left at this point, found it difficult to figure out which way I should wear it and how to secure it, so called the nurse. We both giggled when we saw the size of the gown that had been left, it was big enough to cover both of us. She hastily replaced it with a smaller version - much better and comfortable. Later on, I was given a painkiller and asked to lay on the bed as I might feel a bit woozy. I listened to the voices beyond my room as I waited. Then, it was time for my procedure, I was taken by a young man, who was one of the theatre staff, in a wheelchair to the theatre. That young man helped me to transfer to the operating table and remained by my left shoulder throughout the procedure. It was fascinating as I laid looking around the theatre, chatting and feeling relaxed during the time that they got me ready to have the procedure. Mr Howard made sure that I was in the correct position for his work to be carried out, he was also aware if I was experiencing any discomfort so assured he me that he would give me another injection if required. Mr Howard and his team made me feel at ease and during the procedure the young man next to me chatted about living near the sea. Once the procedure was complete the table was adjusted - I could see all the protective dressings that were in place on both legs. I chuckled when Mr Howard said they were wrapping me up like a Mummy so I said, "In my case you will be wrapping me up like a Granny!" Mr Howard left the theatre at this point, so the young man helped me to transfer to the wheelchair to return to the ward. Mr Howard came into my room after a while and said that the procedure had gone well so gave me Post Operation Notes so that I knew when the dressings were to be removed and when to change from surgical stockings to compressions stockings. I lay with my legs elevated for an hour and a half following the procedure - during that time I tucked into a sandwich and some water. I was discharged from the Ward just after 2.00p.m. and collected to be driven home. I slept nearly all the way home. I began to feel a little pain near to bedtime so took 2 paracetamol; I had a 'cat-nap' night as I tried to get comfortable in either my bed or a chair, but eventually fell asleep in bed and was surprised that my legs were more comfortable than I thought they would be when I awoke the next morning. I did my first 'rehab walk', with my Nora Batty dressings covered by trousers, on the 7th June. Those dressings were removed after 2 days; the rest of the dressings came off after 5 days and I was in my Class 2 compression stockings by the 13th June. All of this post operative regime was as prescribed following the Ablation. It is essential, and a courtesy to the medical team, to make sure that we carry out their instructions to the letter and to get advice if we not certain. There is plenty of information available and the post operative booklet has been helpful too. I would like to express my hearfelt thanks to Mr Howard for his expertise and skill. His gentle manner with great ability to explain why the Ablation should be done was very reassuring and informative. I had my follow-up appointment recently - Mr Howard is pleased with the results of the Ablation. Compression stockings and emollient cream for life to protect my skin and support my legs is definitely in my daily routine now. I was extremely surprised and grateful to have the Ablation under local anaesthetic and would recommend it when offered to others. I am pleased to report that I walk daily, even up to 15,000 steps sometimes; my skin has improved, so I am happy with my experience on the 6th June. A big THANK YOU once again for all Mr Howard and his team have done for me. Best wishes, Val (79 years old!)

Extremely unhappy. Total Care promise does not cover diagnostics tests they are forcing me to get part way through my treatment. The second half of my surgery was due to go ahead over 2 months ago but they have effectively held the rest of my treatment ransom until I pay for more scans out of my own pocket. The hospital promised me the £4,000 i spent would be a total care plan however this is certainly not the case. Please avoid this hospital at all costs. p.s this wasn’t the only issue, my emails have been ignored for weeks on end and only replied to when emailing the head office!! Adam Howard is the surgeon and Megan Wood is his secretary. Terrible service and I am currently looking elsewhere for another surgeon to finish my treatment. Nightmare experience!!