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Written by a patient
10th January 2019


I first met Mr Mustansir Alibhai in October 2018 following a biopsy of a lesion in my cheek. After having the biopsy, I was referred to Mr Alibhai’s clinic in order to learn my results and hear the next steps. It was a very tough day for me personally, I was informed the biopsy had revealed I was suffering with mouth cancer which naturally was a shock to my system. I cannot rate Mr Alibhai highly enough for the way that he managed that interaction/appointment and how he so professionally informed me of this terrible news. He sat in front of me, held both my hands and supported me through my slow comprehension of what was a frightening and devastating result. My ability to absorb my diagnosis was no doubt helped and positively impacted by the professional manner in which Mr Alibhai handled this and treated me. He ensured that I was clear about my illness and proceeded to discuss my options for treatment. I believe I was a challenging patient for Mr Alibhai, I am 84 years old and although physically active and fit, the risk of surgery was clearly high when combined with my other minor medical conditions. However, despite the high risks associated with what lay ahead, my confidence, belief and trust in Mr Alibhai is what provided me the strength to pursue the option to have surgery vs. radiotherapy. From the outset, I gained a sense of trust and confidence in Mr Alibhai as a surgeon and I am proud to say I have only seen this feeling grow as time has gone on. In my personal view, Mr Alibhai is a credit to the NHS and healthcare in general and we are so blessed to have talented, selfless and kind people like him managing us through life threatening circumstances. Over the course of the next few weeks, I continued to meet with Mr Alibhai on a regular basis where he monitored my condition and reviewed the various test results ahead of securing me a date for surgery to have the tumour removed. Mr Alibhai was meticulous in his planning and you could see he was constantly thinking about how he would approach my surgery as my tumour was in a particularly tricky position. He needed to not only remove the cancer but also perform what is called a free flap reconstruction from tissue obtained from elsewhere on my body. Again, he ensured I was always kept informed about the options and possibilities as well as making sure he continued to keep me informed about the risks and complications too. As such there were never any grey areas whilst I was under his care. I always knew what to expect and the risks which is important in these situations. On the night before the surgery, Mr Alibhai came to see me in hospital at around 8pm and he spent a good period of time walking me through what was going to happen and the plan he had for the surgery. It was very comforting to have him visit me ahead of the big day and his gentle yet highly experienced/skilful nature was highly evident again, serving to relieve my anxiety and nerves. Mr Alibhai and his team conducted my surgery the very next morning, it transpired to be a 12-13 hour operation in total and he executed on his plan perfectly. Throughout my post operative stay in UCLH, Mr Alibhai ensured he visited me regularly and continued with his one-to-one medical care all the way through to when I was discharged a couple of weeks later. He would often visit me after long clinic days and it was highly evident to me that he cared about my recovery and well being as he wanted to finish the job he had started, curing me of the cancer. Mr Alibhai possesses fantastic personal skills as well as being an amazing Consultant. I am 84 years old, hard of hearing and was faced with Mouth Cancer which if not treated soon would have most likely got the better of me. The respect and dignity which Mr Alibhai provided to me throughout the process no doubt impacted my positivity and ability to fight the cancer and what lay ahead. He was always personable, kind, smiled and made sure I knew he was going to help and support me in my journey. He never rushed an appointment and gave me the time I needed to take decisions. He also provided me with all the options to manage my condition and introduced us to other colleagues who could help. Finally, I am writing this review 46 days on from when Mr Alibhai performed my surgery at UCLH and am cancer free. I am back at home, walking, talking, watching cricket/football and spending time with my wife/children and friends. I know one thing for certain: none of this would have been possible without the fantastic care and devotion provided by Mr Alibhai. He is a real asset to the NHS, UCLH and I am personally grateful for what he did for me. Thank you Mr Alibhai, you absolutely embody what providing excellent healthcare should look like but you go the extra mile by just being a kind and humble person through this process. God Bless you.

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