Mr Simon Monkhouse

Written by a patient at East Surrey Hospital

I was admitted to A&E on 23rd June and the way in which Dr Monkhouse dealt with my condition was superb from start to finish. A perforated ulcer is a life-threatening illness, although I didn't realise at the time. But Dr Monkhouse was well aware and acted very quickly and professionally to get the urgent operation done I needed, he really made me feel that I was in good hands. He demonstrated great attention to detail, speed, good listening skills and a caring approach, as well as of course brilliant skills in carrying out the operation. If it wasn't for him, I might not be here today, I cannot thank him enough and have made a full recovery. Thank you! Neil Kershaw

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Written by a patient at Ashtead Hospital

Firstly Simon is an amazing , caring , attentive Surgeon. He not only listens but acts fast and gets the job done. Even before I met Simon I found his secretary to be extremely helpful and so supportive and sympathetic to my situation and she organised an appointment for me very quickly. So already I was impressed. Then when I met Simon, firstly I noticed he listened to me , he didn't interrupt he just listened to me explain all my symptoms and problems I was having, not once did he dismiss me or suggest things were in my head , he listened and said if it isn't the gallbladder we will keep going until we find what it is. This gave me hope. I had suffered with my tummy for about 6 months and was under the care of the Irish health system. I wasn't able to make a gall bladder scan due to work commitments they had organised so it was rescheduled for 6 months later. I couldn't wait that long so my fiancé got in touch with Ashtead Hospital and spoke to Simon secretary and I was referred to Simon there. From listening to my symptoms and explaining the gall bladder research I had done we decided to start with that as Simon said my symptoms sounded like Gall Stones. He organised the scan for 30 minutes after me first walking into his office and booked me an operation slot for 3 weeks after just to get everything in place. I was overwhelmed by the speed at which Simon was keen to help me and get my problems resolved. The scan showed normal so Simon organised a nuclear scan and that found that my gallbladder wasn't functioning. I was so happy to have found the potential cause of the excruciating pain I had been suffering. All along the way Simon kept me greatly informed about the process of the operation and on the day came to see me pre op to settle any anxieties I had. The operation went fantastic but post op I had a reaction to the anti sickness drug. Simon came back that evening to see if I was ok and again the next morning , he drove in the opposite direction to his morning surgery just to check in on me. The care and attention he showed was humbling and over whelming. It wasn't a case of just get the op done and he disappeared. He kept in touch checking in on me daily to ensure I was recovering well. Had the post op check up 3 weeks after and everything was fantastic most of my symptoms have gone specifically the excruciating pain so I was very thankful to Simon and always will be. Oh and was most grateful he checked the cost of the operation and realised the hospital had overcharged us and he got us the revised quotation which saved us a great sum of money. My scars have already started to heal and are very tiny inserts so also for that I am thankful he took great care and ensured I had minimal scaring. I would recommend Simon without hesitation. He is an excellent caring surgeon.

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Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

After researching gastric bands for about 2 years I finally decided it was the right thing to do for me - I went to many consultations at different places - I then found out about the weight loss evening at spire Gatwick - I went along with my mum where I met Simon - He explained in great details about gastric banding surgery - he didn't seem like the others that I had seen - I felt like just another person to them they wasn't interested in what I was having done it was just a job to them and I was just a name on their list - Simon was very honest and kind and caring And unlike the others he seemed passionate in what he does - he took great interest in getting to know my self and my mum - From the moment I met him I knew that I wanted Simon to do my operation - Simon kept in contact with me through out the whole process even the pre meetings Simon took great interest how I was getting on - he was always there if I had a question - On day of the op he came in to see me before see how I was - The op went well and the scars are so small neat and tidy I'm so happy with it :-) After my op Simon came in to see how I was - even after I had gone home from the hospital Simon kept in contact to see how I was and how I was recovering I had my op on 1st July 2015. So far it has changed my life for the better - I am so much happier - Simon still keeps in contact with me asking how I'm getting on and he is always there if I have any questions - he takes such pride in what he does and has made the whole experience so personal and enjoyable - I am so grateful to Simon - its lovely to see him each month at support group and also keeping in contact over social media site I don't think you would ever find a more caring and passionate surgeon - I'm so glad I waited and did research and met him before jumping straight into getting my band done!

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Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

After being admitted via A&E with suspected pancreatitis, Mr Monkhouse took over my care brilliantly. He diagnosed the problem (gall stone stuck in bile duct and inflamed gallbladder), very swiftly and then talked me through what I needed. As I've had a gastric bypass in 2008, my case was extremely challenging to say the least! However, he filled me with confidence and I knew he was the only surgeon that I wanted. Every step of the way by telephone and email his communication skills were excellent. I was very safe in his hands and I'm very happy to say that not only did he rearrange his diary to fit me in as soon as humanly possible, the operation (by no means straightforward) was a huge success due to his skill and precision surgical prowess. Less than 6 days later I was back at work and walking 5 miles a day. 10 days on and I'm now walking 10 miles with no problems at all. If you want a top class surgeon (and a gentleman to boot) look no further than Mr Monkhouse. I cannot recommend him enough. Tony Driscoll, Reigate, Surrey.

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Written by a patient at East Surrey Hospital

I first met Mr Monkhouse for a consultation in August 2015, he was so kind, considerate, and helpful that I felt immediately relaxed and in the hands of someone who truly cared. A few weeks later I was admitted via A&E to the local hospital and was told that I may have to have an emergency procedure, and I was told that I was very lucky that the on call surgeon was Mr Monkhouse. The following day I was scheduled to an emergency Operation and after speaking to Mr Monkhouse he convince me that the removal was the best way forward and as the space was available that we should proceed. Mr Monkhouse came to see me shortly before the General Anaesthetic was administered to see how I was and he calmed me down straight away, fro being quite panicked about the operation I was put at ease and able to relax. The same afternoon he came to see me on the ward and explain what had happened during the operation and to explain that I had a drain inserted in case of any unwanted fluid being in my abdomen. This he reassured me was only a precautionary measure and not to worry. He then visited me early the next morning to check on me and advised that another day in hospital would be best to ensue that the antibiotics were working, I did not hesitate to agree as I had total faith in him. Once again the next morning Mr Monkhouse was on the ward before any other consultant and asked about my symptoms and asked how I felt, I explained that I did not want to leave hospital with the drain still in place and he agreed that I could have it removed as he thought nothing would happen if it was removed at this stage. This I was very grateful for. Just before I was discharged, Mr Monkhouse gave me a card with his phone number and email address on it and told me if I had any concerns, I should email him and he would respond directly. two days after I left the hospital Mr Monkhouse rang me and asked how I was feeling, this took me by complete surprise having never heard of this happening to anyone before. He also passed on the good news that the final blood tests I had in hospital were all normal which he was surprised at. 6 days on and I was feeling unwell, so I emailed Mr Monkhouse as directed he was quick to respond and tell me that it was quite normal and not to worry, but to keep a check for 24 hours and if the symptoms continued he could arrange to meet me with short notice. The long and the short of it is I have never heard of nor received such touching, personal and cring service form andy doctor or other medical staff in my life, If you are like me lucky enough to have Mr Monkhouse as your consultant then congratulation, this man is a credit to himself and to all of the hospitals who use his services, I cannot praise him enough and just hope he realises how much easier he made a very stressful time and how grateful I am that he was bale to help me. By the way the operation despite being more complicated than it should have been went so weel and I fully expect to be back at work in a week or so.

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