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Written by a patient at St Bartholomew's Hospital
30th September 2018


I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of this year. After a poor start at my nearest hospital, my GP arranged a second opinion at St Barts. Mr Peel was the first person I met at Barts and I immediately felt I was in the right place. At my initial appointment he was warm, kind and welcomed all my questions. I never felt rushed and he treated me with respect for both my intelligence and my emotions. He was reassuring and quickly sprang to action to develop a concrete treatment plan. I knew I was in good hands and felt so relieved to transfer my care to his team. After six grueling months of chemotherapy, Mr Peel performed a wide local excision and axillary node clearance. I have healed beautifully, the scars are barely noticeable and I have excellent range of motion. Every nurse who has seen them has complimented his work and made it clear he would be their choice if in the same situation.

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Written by a patient at The Royal Marsden Hospital (Chelsea)
19th August 2018


Left behind extensive cancer & also breast tissue. No appropiate use of processes to establish the effectiveness or otherwise of his surgery. This gave the impression (at least for me, the unwitting patient) of having undergone reconstructive surgery performed by a team of miracle-working-wizards at The Royal Marsden NHS Trust. In fact, my own still cancerous breast was the factor largely responsible for how my 'reconstructed breast' (there isn't another more appropriate description of what I got)looked after the recommended operation. Many more surgeries/imaging required at other hospitals: this time following conventional practices. This review is about my outcome & experience for others to place into their decision making. It is about the person who should be at the centre of healthcare plans, let's see if its allowed to stand as such. Finally, life is too short, precious & singular to be, without permission and knowledge, someone else's learning experience.

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Written by a patient at The London Clinic
12th March 2018


I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at Barts in July 2017. I was seen by Mr Peel, and because it would take over a month to get an MRI at Barts I used my husband's private cover to go to the London Clinic. Mr Peel has been brilliant. I started my career in the NHS so have worked with a lot of surgeons, but I have rarely come across someone so patient focused and empathetic. Mr Peel encouraged me to read up on the subject, took all of my questions seriously, and when I had worries (such as neck pain which made me panic about metastatic spread) acted quickly to get me the relevant checks, sometimes literally overnight. The staff around Mr Peel clearly rate him highly, which is always a good sign. I've just had my surgery, and am recovering really well, with far less pain that expected. He also clearly knows his subject - when I've looked him up, he's appeared as an expert witness at clinical malpractice cases. I'm not sure how you'd get a better breast cancer surgeon!

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Written by a carer at The London Clinic
14th September 2017


I was treated by Mr Peel at The London Clinic. The whole experience throughout a traumatic time for both me and my family was made palatable due to his gentle and considerate manner. It was clear from the first meeting that his team enjoyed working with him very much, the respect they had for him was clearly immense. There can be no better compliment than to hear the breast care nurse state that should she ever need similar treatment herself, Mr Peel would be her first choice. My scaring is healing beautifully and I no longer dread the follow up appointments. I feel I am in a safe pair of hands. Whenever I felt the need to discuss matters he gave me the time I needed to fully digest the information and I never felt rushed or foolish. I feel lucky to have been treated by such an experienced surgeon who seems totally dedicated to the wellbeing of his patients. I think that the NHS hospitals in which he works, are extremely fortunate to have his skills, knowledge and experience and both myself and my family feel truly fortunate to have met him.

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Written by a patient at The Royal Marsden Hospital (Chelsea)
29th January 2017


Firstly everyone should do their own research and speak with different surgeons before making a final decision. Sometimes, particularly after a cancer diagnosis that can feel overwhelming. I underwent a mastectomy as recommended by this Locum Surgeon. Six months after the surgery I discovered changes in my reconstructed breast. I was diagnosed with around 4cm of residual cancer, which had to be removed in 2 further clearance operations with a Professor of Breast Surgery. I still have residual breast tissue at the front and deep within my reconstructed breast. All of the above was a huge shock to me having undergone a mastectomy just months earlier. I doubt this came as quite such a 'surprise' to this surgeon though, as he had noted, directly after my mastectomy in his operation notes, that some of my breast tissue was very close to my skin. Sadly this was not an observation he felt should be shared with me or the Multi-disciplinary team at the hospital where it is likely that I would have been recommended to undergo post-mastectomy radiotherapy and likely further surgery. Instead I was returned to the usual practice of receiving absolutely no on-going surveillance (mammograms) after such surgery. What could have happened, if I had not continued, to check my reconstructed breast myself at home is still very frightening. After nearly 3 years of further surgery (6 operations down - 2 to go) to correct how I was left and now look. I would strongly suggest that any woman considering this 'complex' surgery ensures they optimise their chances of a successful surgery and a full recovery by seeking out someone who is NOT a locum, who is performing these surgeries very frequently; who is up to date with what informed consent means (sharing all the material risks of surgery and other courses of action even if they are not their recommendation) and who is also ethical in their approach to sharing the reality of their work and skills and any issues encountered during treatment. And perhaps ensures that the pathological services they rely on are fit for purpose.

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  • General surgery