Mr Ashwin Unnithan

Written by a carer at St Peter's Hospital

about 18 months ago my mother, now 79, had a fall at home. Not wanting to bother anyone she didn’t say anything. Over time the pain down the side of her leg got worse. Finally she wanted to go tho the GP who referred her via Patient choices. Mum was sent an appointment to see Dr Ashwin at BMI Runnymede. On the day in question we arrived for the appointment and consultation. From the first moment my mother met Dr Ashwin she trusted him. X-rays done and result was that mum had fractured the bone cement holding her prosthesis in place. A further 3D scam was ordered but this could only be done at a different hospital. My mother liked the fact that De Ashwin would only do the operation needed if he could guarantee 90% pain free post surgery. There were 2 choices: 1. Short prosthesis for her hip if not too much cement broken 2. Longer prosthesis if bone cement it was bad and shattered. In the following week the scan was done and the result being worst case scenario. The local Ccg also cancelled the operation within the private sector saying it would be too expensive. Mum was deverstated to say the least. Dr Ashwin called my mum and told her not to worry. He then booked her into St Peters Hospital for the surgery and he would still do the surgery. Surgery took place on 23 August 2018. It could have been sooner but Dr Ashwin wanted the best anesthetist on his team. It was going to be a long and complex operation. You see Mum also has Osteoporosis, COPD and an old T7 fracture plus both hips had already been replaced. To say I was worried would be an understatement, especially seeing that mum had been in hospital on BiPAP at the end of June and given 48 hours to live. Mum went into theatre at 1300 and came out of recovery at 8pm straight into ITU. De Ashwin came to find myself and my aunt after the surgery to say that he was happy with how it went. Now 6 weeks later we are seeing him in clinic. Mum has done really well and is walking straighter than I have seen in years. From my point of view I cannot thank Dr Ashwin enough for what he has done. I am a cancer specialist nurse for 19 years and nursing 30 years, so I know how things work and how consultants can be. I can honestly say that should I need anything at all to do with orthopedics there is only one person I want to be seen by. I will sing Dr Ashwin’s praises for all to hear. I have never met, or worked with, such a professional, conscientious, caring consultant who goes the extra mile for his patients. His smile and laugh is infectious and immediately puts you at ease. He kept his promise and since the operation my mum has had no pain at all in her leg (compared to pre-surgery). Dr Ashwin includes the family and always asks after them. Dr Ashwin is a Consultant I can put my trust in, I did and he did not let me down. In my book that’s admirable.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a patient at The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group

A kind caring, considerate consultant who always reassured me every step of the way and always made himself available. I suffered with a prolapsed disc on my nerve and after careful explanation and consultation we decided together to avoid surgery and follow a path of physio. 6 weeks later I have turned a corner without any pain relief and I am grateful that his considered approach has helped me to avoid surgery. I would highly recommend Mr Unnithan.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a patient at The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group

Had a complex ankle fracture and could not have been in better hands - complete honesty and clarity throughout the process really helped to manage expectations and understand what was happening and ensure recovery but throughout this plenty of consideration given to me as an individual and ensuring my mental health to aid entire recovery. When choices had to be made in terms of type of cast, weight bearing etc - these were carefully explained with risks and benefits outlined which was very helpful

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a patient at Ashford Hospital

had follow up appointment yesterday and have been signed off, following left knee replacement in july. wonderful surgeon and good care whilst in hospital. thanks to ashwin unnithan I am now pain free and looking forward to playing with my grand children and walking again, lovely man.

Recommend

Trust

Listening

Written by a patient at Ashford Hospital

It is still early days following my THR, just 6 weeks but I am progressing fairly well. I am younger than those who had their hips done at the same time as me. This is my second too. I have completed one hip class where I was very young compared to the others and really would like to have been with some younger participants who need to get back to work and leading an active life...Is there a young hips forum or group anywhere? I know I am not the youngest and indeed one of my school children will have to go through this when she reaches 18, but I do still have ambition and a lot of active years ahead of me. Mr Unithan was very considerate of my age and that I will be getting back into the world of work and family life again, not just looking to be pain free. I do feel I need some more physio to help me along with this and indeed to help the correction of my pelvis from years of compensating with both hips not working as they should. I don't feel that one class was enough to give me the knowledge I need to go forward and work to a more active me. This was not in anyway against Mr Unithan though but the overall program for THR and how there does need to be a difference for each patients circumstances and age and life too if at all possible.

Recommend

Trust

Listening