Mr Simon Monkhouse

Written by a patient at East Surrey Hospital

I became ill of a sudden and I was admitted at East Surrey hospital by ambulance. After a few tests, ultrasound scan and CT scan Mr Monkhouse came to see me to explain the results of the tests and to tell me that my bowl were somehow twisted and that he needed to operate me within the next 30 minutes........panick was on.....I burst into tears feeling absolutely petrified as at the time my husband had gone back to our children and my family lives abroad so I was completely lonely and incredibly upset. I understood immediately what an amazing surgeon Mr Monkhouse is because he tried to explain to me how urgent my operation was by using accurate, reassuring and caring words explaining why it was so important for him to act there and then. Mr Monkhouse asked to speak to my husband to explain the findings and the procedure and my husband felt immediately reassured. I was overwhelmed and scared but my conditions were life threatening so I had no choice, my life was in his hands, in his very capable and caring hands. The operation lasted 2 hours and Mr Monkhouse had the care and the humanity to phone my husband to inform him on how the operation had gone, just as he had promised him on the phone. Mr Monkhouse came to see me as soon as I woke up and then during my 9 days stay at the hospital he came to visit once or even twice a day even at weekends, the nurses even told me that he had called to ask how I was doing as I had been very very sick. The care and reassurance continued all troughought my stay, He is a very kind and caring surgeon, respectful of people 's fears and worries and always always happy to answer to any questions patients could have, no matter how little or big they may have been. Once home Mr Monkhouse has called me to ask how I had settled in and in my eyes that it's amazing, he has offered all the possible help and told me to contact him for anything I may have needed and I have felt like I could have contacted him without feeling embarrassed, Infact I have. He has even contacted me while on a family holiday abroad, his last e mail to me is of a few minutes ago where Mr Monkhouse has confirmed me the histology results. My family is astounded by the care and respect that Mr Monkhouse has offered me as they know that I felt safe knowing that I could have contacted him should I have felt the need, the beauty of this is that Mr Monkhouse has asked to keep Him informed of my progress because he cares for all his patients in a very fond and sincere way. This is not just a job to Mr Monkhouse, he has got passion for his job and he cares to make sure that all his patients are safe and well again. I have never met or heard of a surgeon like Mr Monkhouse and I feel that he is the best example of what an amazing surgeon would be and should be, I would recommend Mr Monkhouse to anyone as I felt like I was in the best possible hands. Mr Monkhouse, Thank you for having understood what my problem was so so quickly, time was not on my side that day, thank you for giving me the chance to continue to be a wife to my lovely husband and a mum to my two beautiful little girls. Thank you for saving my life Mr Monkhouse, I will be forever grateful, Kindest regards, Barbara.

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Written by a patient at East Surrey Hospital

I had surgery for a hiatus hernia/acid reflux back in Octobed 2014. From the very first meeting with Mr Monkhouse to this present day I can honestly say he is one the most caring & professional people I have ever met. He was so thorough explaining my problem & what he could do to improve my health. He was so reassuring right up to & including the morning of my surgery. He rang my daughter whilst I was in recovery to let her know the surgery was successful, how many surgeons do that ... I work @ East Surrey Hospital , & whenever our paths cross he always says , good morning , remembering my name, always checking if I'm feeling OK, asking if I have any reoccurring symptoms....He says any problems just contact him straight away , his door is always open...Mr Monk house is a true gentleman, I would reccomend him to anyone requiring surgey

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Written by a patient at East Surrey Hospital

My wife was seriously ill and in terrible pain when she was taken by ambulance to East Surrey . If it had not been for Mr Monkhouse's outstanding skills and care, I do not think she would have got through the ordeal. We both agree that he is the finest doctor we have known, and we have had over 20 operations between us and many years of liaising with doctors both professionally and personally. What was so extraordinary was that he visited my wife every day in hospital after the operation and emailed every day for weeks after her operation to make sure she was OK. He made my wife feel safe and confident despite her profound anxiety and pain. He explained every aspect of the diagnosis, the operation and prognosis in clear, simple terms that helped us handle both the physical and emotional issues far more effectively. As a psychologist with over 30 years experience, I can say with certainty that I have never met a doctor with such authentic compassion, commitment and responsiveness. To find these qualities in such a gifted surgeon is even more remarkable!

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Written by a member of staff at East Surrey Hospital

As a senior colleague to Simon I am impressed with his manner, care, rapport but most of all his surgical ability. I would not hesitate for him to operate on me.

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Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

In the world of consultants to me, Mr Monkhouse is a demi-god. It took a number of years before I plucked up the courage and sought help with my weight problem. From the onset of my treatment I was impressed not only by his manner but obvious passion towards his job. During my initial consultation Simon took time to explain carefully the different options open to me, ensuring I understood the pros and cons of each type of surgery. At no time did I feel rushed or pushed into making a decision and was able to ask questions. Throughout the waiting period he and his team were in regular contact with me ensuring that I was fully prepared by the day of the surgery. His calm and professional manner aligned any fears I might have had and so I was confident and prepared by the time I walked down the theatre. After the operation he visited twice a day and texted me during the first few weeks to ensure all was healing well. I was very surprised and impressed to see that he attends the monthly support group for his bariatric patients. During these meetings you could see the excellent rapport he had with all of his patients (including myself). His genuine interest in one’s progress is obviously important to him and he has made it clear that should I have any concerns that I could contact him at any time. I have no hesitation in stating that I trust him implicitly, and have been very grateful for the new future I now have ahead.

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