Mr Drostan Cheetham

Written by a NHS patient at Watford General Hospital

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Cheetham for the first time yesterday. I was extremely nervous and embarrassed about the situation and I think I must have apologised a dozen times throughout. I have never in all my life met a doctor that has such fantastic bedside manner. He made me feel at ease and comfortable despite the situation. He had great sense of humour and it made me feel at ease as I do like a bit of humour myself! He spoke to me and treated me like a human and not an inconvenience in any way shape or form. Which have unfortunately experienced a lot of in the past where just quick to get you out the door. Not Me Cheetham he took his time and explained everything to me which I was incredibly grateful for especially as I prefer to know everything the positives and the downsides also. I have a few life long health conditions so have met many doctors over the years and have never felt the urge to write a review. I am honestly so grateful to Mr Cheetham for making an embarrassing situation much more comfortable for me. Thank you

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Written by a NHS patient at Watford General Hospital

This man should be called 'Wizard' Cheetham. He saved my life after I was admitted as an emergency patient with what turned out to be stage 4 bowel cancer. He got it all and the subsequent histology was all clear. He is a 'direct' speaker, he says it how it is, but hey, the mans a surgical genius, I cannot thank him enough. If you meet Mr Cheetham you are in the safest of surgical hands. [If you read this Drostan, may I repeat my sincere thanks to you].

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Written by a NHS patient at Watford General Hospital

I would like to give you a review of my excellent experience relating to my low anterior colonoscopy resection. My experience has been far beyond what could have been expected despite the recent pressures on the NHS. The team headed by Mr Cheetham and the whole of the colo rectal unit, the stoma and associated departments have explained and dealt with the issues along the way in a friendly and prompt manner. All appointments have been timely with no delays. In April 2023 I had a colonoscopy which highlighted a rectal tumour. A week later I met Mr Cheetham who put me at ease explaining the operation, the risks and the general timings and outcome. I needed a temporary ileostomy as the blood vessel supply in the area is low and extra time is required for the healing. Two weeks later I underwent the operation which took 6 hours. Again all the staff were attentive and I had frequent visits and stoma tuition so that when I left hospital some 5 days later I was self sufficient with numerous back up contacts. 8 months later, and in accordance with the timescale originally outlined to me, I had the reversal. Again all appointments and the operation were on time and all staff were attentive. Last Monday I was discharged, given the all clear and will be regularly monitored over the next few years with colonoscopies and scans. I couldn’t possibly have received better timely care anywhere and this was over the period of junior doctors and nurses strikes etc. Hospitals do not always get good publicity. Mr Cheetham and all his team are certainly the top of his profession. Well done the West Hertfordshire Hospitals. Andrew Gibson

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Written by a NHS patient at Watford General Hospital

Over and Above ! My bowl cancer surgery was already complicated due to how low down in my rectum the cancer was and it presented a very real risk of having to remove my anus completely. The surgery took two hours longer than planned and when finished Mr Cheetham realising my wife would be worried sick with no word of me, contacted her personally to let her know that everything had been a success. Over and Above again !!! Following the complete cancer removal by Mr Cheetham, I developed a condition with my gut that had me in A and E in accute pain. While in the waiting area waiting admission to the ward for overnight care, Mr Cheetham happened to walk through. He recognised me, stopped to find out why I was there and then changed his schedule to include me in on his round the very next morning. It was not his department and he did not have to do this and so I was blown away by the additional care and him going over and above to see me. Needless to say, he saw me, assessed the problem and made sure my reversal surgery was swiftly on the list and completed. 4 weeks on I am now pain free and making an increadibly fast recovery. An outstanding expert in his Feild. Mr Cheetham look after me with care and attention to every detail from the first appointment to the last. Thank you Graham FW

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Written by a NHS patient at Watford General Hospital

I would like to say not only Mr. Cheetham is one of the best surgeons, I would say in the world but also he is a superb extraordinary human being. If anybody has complications who ends that Mr. Cheetham is going to deal with it, I promise you that your life is in the safest hands you could ever be. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and I underwent two-stage operations (A Hartmann procedure) within a space of 15 months. He did an excellent job. I am so happy with my treatment. Thanks to this gentleman and the superb NHS staff and service. God bless all of you.

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