Mr Andre Litwin

Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

The out patient clinics work really well, with everything co-ordinated. You arrive, you get your vision tested, you get sent for photos then you see the consultant. Although it does take time, I don't think anyone minds, as the system is effective and when you do see the consultant, Mr Litwin, he spends time with you making sure he understands your concerns and explaining what is and what is not possible. He also has a very knowledgable and relaxed manner and treat patients as 'partners' in the 'fight' against vision loss. This gives confidence to patients and helps them feel they can achieve the best possible outcomes. Getting a further appointment is easy - you go to the desk as you leave and an appointment is made. How I wish other hospitals work in this way. I assume this system cuts down on DNAs. Mr Litwin operated on me on 5 January 2016. Again, a long wait, but the pre op nurses were truly amazing - kind, caring and helped to make patients feel at ease. The anaesthetist took time to explain the options and why he was choosing a particular option, and Mr Litwin and the team of nurses in the operating theatre took time to explain every step. It was a really good experience, and I knew the outcome would be good. Because I had so much confidence, the outcome was good! And, of course, the clinicians were very, very good. The experience in recovery in the discharge lounge was horrible. The nurse who was 'looking after' me was abrupt and rude, and talked about me back at the station desk within my hearing, She also talked about the person who was picking me up within my hearing in a very derogatory way. She treated me like a child and at one stage shouted at me because I was attempting to sit up. She told me I wouldn't be able to leave until I had eaten something and then told me I had to learn to play the 'game' when I said I could not eat bread. She made me feel terrible and this could so easily have compromised my recovery. What a shame after the amazing treatment I received from everyone else, who treated me as though I was a real person. People who are losing their vision are extremely vulnerable and are doing their utmost to try and live normal lives. To be treated like this is unacceptable. I have the utmost respect for NHS clinical staff who are working under such difficult conditions, and I do my bit by being a patient representative on the clinical reference group for specialist commissioning of ophthalmology services; by speaking out in public when I feel the government has got it wrong and by being a lay member of the RCOphth. If patients are so willing to fight for all that is good within the NHS, then surely we deserve to be treated with a little more respect than this one nurse treated me? Having said that, it was ONLY this nurse that marred the experience. All the other staff, from reception staff to nurses to the consultant truly seemed to understand how frightening it is for patents when they are losing their sight, and did their utmost to help me feel comfortable and to feel like a person - not just a number to be processed who was getting in the way of them carrying out their lives. I am sure that you must get some really good outcomes - outcomes are never just about the expertise of clinicians - good outcomes are about how the patient feels about the treatment and the confidence they have. Having said that, I do feel that Mr Litwin is very highly skilled both in his clinical interventions and in his ability to understand individual patients.

Trust

Listening

Recommend

Written by a member of staff at Queen Victoria Hospital

Dr Litwin was very approachable and helpful. He listened to my concerns and showed care and thoughtfulness to my individual case. His care has been consistent during all my appointments as was his team despite being an extremely busy clinic.

Trust

Listening

Recommend

Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

Andre was very patient with me, taking the time to answer my questions in great detail. He was very kind to me, and showed a real desire to help me.

Trust

Listening

Recommend

Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

Mr Litwin listened and used that information to adjust the treatment and medication required. Each time I saw him he remembered what had happened before and gave consistant and continuous treatment as the treatment progressed, explaining everything at each step. He is the BEST.

Trust

Listening

Recommend

Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

very nice guy

Trust

Listening

Recommend