Mr Mustansir Alibhai

Written by a NHS patient at Guy's Hospital

My dentist noticed an unusual lump on my tongue just before New Year 2021. She arranged referral to Guys Hospital and I saw Dr Alibhai (“Mus”) the first week in January 2021. He was friendly and welcoming and quick to put me at ease despite the difficult circumstances ( COVID lockdown as well ) and my own developing concerns. After an initial visual examination, he calmly explained that a tongue cancer was very likely and went on to explain the next steps of further diagnosis and treatment. A real positive for me was that even at this early stage he took time to explain everything, particularly that if things had been caught early treatment options were likely to be good. Following further tests that were swiftly arranged during January I met Mus again where he confirmed the tongue cancer diagnosis, but also sympathetically explained that whilst tests of the neck were negative, some issues had shown up with scans to my lungs. Again Mus took time to explain all the implications of this, even dialling in my wife ( who could not attend due to COVID ) to explain the position to her. Further diagnostics quickly ruled out the lung issues and after a third meeting, Mus speedily organised a date in early February for surgery. In the week before my operation I was encouraged to call Mus for any queries or explanations that I might have, On the day of the operation Mus was there to talk to me right from my arrival at surgical registration. Post operation he was the first doctor I talked to that same day on the recovery Ward. He also phoned my wife to explain that the operation had gone well. During 2 weeks recovery in hospital I was regularly visited by Mus who took a caring and active interest in my recovery. Since leaving hospital 4 weeks ago Mus has continued to see me with follow up appointments. My recovery has gone well with the the surgery well executed. Overall I would say that Dr Alibhai is an exceptional surgeon and physician who not only provides great treatment, but who also has an open friendly and caring manner. I was treated by him as an NHS patient but if needed I would pay any price in future to be treated by him again. As an aside I would also thank his team of doctors and nurses at Guys who under his guidance and leadership showed the same commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare.

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Written by a patient at University College Hospital

I first met Mr Alibhia, when I was referred to him. I was seen by him quite quickly following a biopsy showing a growth in my mouth. On meeting him, he said he was sorry to say that what I had was a tumor and would need an operation. Obviously I was shocked and Mr Alibhia was apologising for giving me this upsetting news. From that time on I was seen by him at UCLH and arrangements were made for me to go into hospital for an operation. Mr Alibhia is an extremely caring and supportive, and kept me updated of what had to be done. Throughout my stay at UCLH I was visited by Mr Alibhia on several occasions. He kept my husband updated on how I was doing. I cannot fault anything about Mr Alibhia, even to this day he has kept in touch to see how I am doing. I would highly recommend him to anyone who found themselves needing treatment. He puts you at ease, explains everything to you, and listens to you and takes your concerns on board.

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Written by a carer at University College Hospital

My father in law has been under the amazing and super caring Mr Alibhai, he goes above and beyond for his patients and their family. He has saved my father in laws life several times whilst in hospital. We have so much trust in him and cant thank him enough for the way he treats people

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Written by a patient at The Royal London Hospital

I was referred to Mr Alibhai from Queen's hospital in June of this year.This was due to a malignant tumour in my neck From the moment of my first meeting with Mr Alibhai he displayed a high sense of professionalism, empathy and compassion. After introducing himself on the first consultation I became very emotional when he began to explain in detail the process of the surgery and what needed to be done. On seeing my distress he stopped the meeting briefly and asked for my husband to be called. He apologised for having to give me these details particularly on our first meeting. My husband joined me and Mr Alibhai continued to outline what needed to be done. He explained that he would need sometime to assess the situation and look through the scans in more detail and to plan the surgery for me. After my first visit Mr Alibhai contacted the team in Romford to check on me.This is just one example of him going over and beyond his duties. On my second visit when Mr Alibhai met me, the first thing he wanted to be sure of was that I was in a good emotional state . He insisted that I removed my sunglasses to make full eye contact and to ensure I was not crying. His personable manner immediately put me at ease and created a relaxed atmosphere. His style of delivering delicate information is compassionate and clear , using words that the patient will understand. I find him to be extremely calm, patient and emphatic he has a natural reassuring nature. Mr Alibhai went on to explain to me that he had looked through my scans and confirmed that he would be able to perform my surgery. He outlined clearly the risks of the surgery which I understood. He told me that the Surgery would be carried out at Queens hospital which would be more convenient at this time. A date for the Surgery was arranged for 2nd July, on the day Mr Alibhai came to my room to go over the procedure for the day and to ensure everything was in place. I was taken down to theatre, but unfortunately the surgery was cancelled due to the Anaesthetist unable to find a vein to sedate me. This delay carried on for a few hours ,and it got to the point where it was not practical to perform the surgery on that day. Mr Alibhai once again came to see me and apologised for the situation. He explained that he would be available to do the surgery the following Thursday or Saturday.I recall saying to him please ensure that he would be the one doing the surgery,which he confirmed it would be. Later that day he confirmed that the surgery had been rescheduled for Saturday and that he would he would be returning to Queens to perform it. After building up such a good rapport and great confidence with him, I was very pleased and felt relaxed going into the surgery knowing I would be in the hands of not only someone who is highly skilled ,but also has genuine compassion for his patients. On the day of the surgery Mr Alibhai arrived early as usual to see me in my room to once again outline what would be happening during the day. I was taken down to the theatre and I remember looking around and not able to see him.I was asking aloud as to where he was , and soon after he came out of a side room to ensure me of his presence. On waking from the surgery I was I delighted to be told that all went well.Mr Alibhai contacted my family members personally to inform of this. He continued to monitor my progress while I was in hospital and after I left. He told me how to contact him if I ever needed to. Mr Alibhai has also made calls to me at home to ensure that I am ok To conclude ,Mr Alibhai is an exceptional man .He is compassionate, highly professional and a absolute credit to the NHS and his profession. He his empowering and made me feel as though I was the only patient he had ,I was never just another NHS number. During this current time a person like Mr Alibhai is invaluable ,particularly when being diagnosed with such a serious illness. Myself and family cannot thank him enough .I will always pray for his success. Thank you Mr Alibhai.From Melanie Chester and family.

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Written by a patient at University College Hospital

Having been told I had cancer was the moment my life fell apart. But I truly feel blessed and I am so sure that I had an angel watching over me. Mr Aliba from my first meeting with him put me at ease yet made sure I was fully informed and never withheld any facts. His dedication and and commitment throughout my journey was without comprise, he took care of me on a personal level and I felt safe and confident that I would get through. On the day of my operation he spent almost 12 hours operating on me then managed to call my wife to update her and reassure her too. Whilst I was in hospital I was really well looked after and when he couldn't visit me personally he always made sure he was updated by his team. Dr Alibai is a unique doctor he is committed 100% once under his care, he is compassionate and caring too. His first words to me were we are going to cure you whatever it takes and he has been true to his word.

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