Mr M. Bilal M Barkatali 2018-08-01 Person 5 5 0

Where do I begin to describe the expertise, exceptional surgical skills, empathy and understanding of Mr Barkatali, perhaps at the start would be best. A unique situation whereby I had to undergo revision surgery on a total knee replacement (due to infection) with another total knee replacement, associated reconstruction and subsequent treatment. To be clear, the diagnosis, surgery and after care for the first total knee replacement was undertaken by a different consultant and hospital. There is as with all surgical intervention a risk of infection despite the best effort including myself of all concerned. I question not the skills, treatment and aftercare provided on the first occasion. I was unfortunate, and my understanding is this is not common. The point in describing events is simply put into context meeting Mr Barkatali for the first time and to the present day as I am in week seven post operative care having had significant surgery. Right from diagnosis, scans, X-rays, aspirations, examinations, surgical plan, theatre, hospital stay and follow up care, the service and expertise I have received has been ‘world class’. Nothing has been too much trouble, and I didn’t feel like a face in a crowd of patients or caught up in the volume of demand placed on NHS services. Mr Barkatali and team have progressed matters expeditiously. There was clearly some concern on my part as to repeat surgery and risk, and what would the likely outcome be? Mr Barkatali explained fully the objectives, provided reassurance and gained my absolute confidence immediately and during further appointments when describing the plan. Taking time to check, listen, and understand patient needs, and concerns is vitally important. Articulating how success will be achieved in a personal as appose to clinical way made a difference, it developed a trust and desire as a patient to do the best you can. Complex surgery, extended hospital stay, and I am in week seven. Even at this relatively early stage the surgery has seen a greater quality of mobility, range and significant movement in my knee. The confidence in the knee (as in not feeling vulnerable, or likely to give way) is massive, I feel Base Camp Everest, followed by the Tour De France is doable! That said, rambling, walking and hopefully bike riding more likely. There is much to do in the weeks ahead, however over what has been a challenging last 4 months from diagnosis to the present day I can’t thank both Mr Barakatali and Mr Shah, both absolute consumate professionals enough. In my opinion they are leaders in this medical field. Thank you. As to the staff at Salford Royal, and Trafford General (where surgery and hospital stay took place) in the face of ever increasing demand for your services the level of care you provided has been exceptional. I am grateful to all, your encouragement is matched with my determination. Thank you.