Mr Drostan Cheetham

Written by a patient at Watford General Hospital

If you are fortunate enough to be in the care of Mr Cheetham then you will receive nothing but outstanding treatment both from him personally and from his team. When I was transferred into his care at the beginning of October he spoke openly and honestly from the outset, explaining to us in detail how he wished to proceed with my surgery. He was extremely thorough with all the pre-op assessments and investigations at Hemel and Watford to ensure the best possible outcome for me. He continued to keep us informed every step of the way and took the time to talk to us personally. We knew that he was always at the end of the phone if we needed to discuss anything with him at any point. Needless to say, the operation last month was a success and the cancerous mass was removed. Mr Cheetham is very kind and compassionate, showing empathy and understanding throughout. He has the ability to put you at ease. No matter how unsure or worried you may be feeling, on meeting him you realise that you are in the safest and best hands. He instills optimism and has an ability to lift your spirits not only with his humour but by his very caring nature so that you naturally remain positivite. He doesn't hand you over once he has operated; you remain in his care and he continues to see you personally which is so important to us. Of course he is also surrounded by an exceptional team - including Costa, Siobhan, Andrea/Linda/Bas and everyone on the Langley Ward who are efficient and caring 24/7 (take note Jeremy Hunt). Thank you all. We need more Mr Cheethams in this world. We are indebted to him. God bless him and his family and long may he continue to help many, many more people with his wonderful gift.

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Written by a carer at Watford General Hospital

My Mum had the very good luck of having Mr Cheetham as her consultant. Although Mum had two different cancers one in her bowel and one in her lung.It was decided to do the bowel first hopefully by keyhole so that recovery would be quicker. Mr Cheetham explained everything he was so easy to talk to and has a lovely sense of humour! He phoned me as soon as the operation was over to let me know he had managed to do it keyhole and also how everything went it was such a lovely personal touch. The next day I went to visit Mum and she was sat up in a chair doing her crossword. We cannot thank Mr Cheetham and his lovely girls for all the care and attention we received. Mum has had her checkup and I know he said she was an amazing patient all we can say to him is he is amazing and we came out of there feeling positive and in good spirits! It sounds wrong to say but we look forward to seeing him he is such a caring lovely person and I hope whoever reads this will be fortunate enough to have him as their surgeon you are in safe hands.

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Written by a patient at Hemel Hempstead General Hospital

After a negative FOB test and being told on more than one occasion I suffered with piles imagine my shock once I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Feeling totally confused and frightened I met Mr Cheetham and I thank my God every day I did. Mr Cheetham did everything I could possible hope for. Firstly, he put my mind at ease with his manner and bearing in mind the seriousness of the procedure he enabled me to remain positive throughout. My operation was long and problematic but he still was able to complete it using keyhole surgery…which aided and shortened my recovery. My thanks and admiration forever more….Deborah Kibble

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Written by a patient at Watford General Hospital

I was given contrasting diagnosis by several doctors regarding my condition and possible treatment, I was at that time confused and was not being given any help in deciding if an operation was the way to go forward. After several attempts of various drugs my condition worsened and I was at a very low ebb, whereupon Ross Cheetham took over my case and upon our first meeting he reassured me, spoke in clear easy to understand terms and gave me his opinion on the way to progress. It involved an operation which he performed with amazing skill using keyhole surgery which proved a total success. He keep me informed every step of the way pointing out the pros and cons and although the surgery proved to be a bit of a curved ball he found the problem plus a few others and through his surgery skill he rectified the problems and now I am back to full health, I owe my life to this man. Throughout the consultation, pre operation and follow up meetings he showed compassion and understanding, by the way he has a great sense of humour and immediately puts you at ease and gains your total trust. If anyone reading this and is in his care - you are in the very best of hands. Mick Conwell

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Written by a patient at Watford General Hospital

Mr Cheetham performed my bowel resection surgery in July 2015. After suffering from Crohn's disease for years I was referred to him after trying many different medications. I could not have asked for a better surgeon. Mr Cheetham was amazing from my first consultation. He took the time to explain the planned surgery (mostly through drawings) and a answered all of my questions patiently and put me at ease. My procedure was a tricky one but I was in good hands. Mr Cheetham removed the 'mass' that had been causing me pain for many years. I had amazing care in Langley Ward at a Watford from nurses who were specialist and made sure I was comfortable all the time. Two months on I am left with minimal scarring (laparoscopic surgery is amazing!!) and my life has changed considerably. Thank you!!

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