Mr Simon Monkhouse

Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

My first introduction to Mr Monkhouse was when I attended an information evening on 10 March 2014 on Bariatric Surgery at SPIRE Gatwick Park - accompanied by my husband. We both came away feeling inspired by his enthusiasm for his specialty and I decided that evening (after thinking about it for 3 years) that I would book a consultation with him to discuss having a gastric band. My consultation was on 17 March. We talked about my lifestyle and when I felt that my weight problem had started. I remember telling Simon that I felt a failure that I hadn't been able to shed the weight on my own and that I was now contemplating a band. He was so easy to talk to and made me feel very at ease. I knew that having a band was the right thing for me to do, although I was scared about having the procedure done - I knew he was the surgeon for me and I put my trust in him. I was given a date for my surgery of 12 May, on the proviso that I would need to see Sarah the Psychotherapist, Gina the Dietician and Kay the bariatric nurse specialist and they all had to agree that I would be a suitable candidate for surgery before it would be agreed for definite. My surgery was agreed by all and I had my operation on Monday 12 May 2014. I was admitted at 3pm, Simon came to see me and asked both my husband and I if we had any questions. I felt strangely very calm, and excited that the day had finally arrived. I went to theatre at 4:30pm. My husband waited in my room and Simon went and spoke to him as soon as he had finished operating on me. I was up and about within a few hours of returning to my room and felt elated that it was done! I'm now just over 3 weeks post-op and I feel fantastic. I have lots more energy, I swim 2-3 times a week as well as doing aqua aerobics classes. If you have read this review and are contemplating having a gastric band, SImon Monkhouse is the Surgeon to have. I will never look back, and am now looking forward to leading a happy and healthier lifestyle.

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Written by a carer at East Surrey Hospital

I have no hesitation in recommending Simon as the surgeon you would like in your corner in a tricky situation. My 84 year old mother, who suffers from angina, was found to have a huge hiatus hernia and her entire stomach had passed through her diaphragm into her chest cavity where it had twisted and was pressing on her lungs. She was referred to Simon and what a lucky day that was. Simon explained every step of the surgery to us both (together with helpful diagrams), together with the attendant risks. He is hugely reassuring because of his quiet confidence, his willingness to listen and answer questions and his caring manner. This extended to him arranging for a member of the theatre staff to call me during the four hour operation to assure me that all was going to plan. After the operation, although he had been operating all day (and it was his birthday!) he called me to let me know how my mother was faring. Following the operation, he visited my mother every day she was in hospital (7 days) and always contacted me afterwards to let me know his findings and to ask me how I felt about her progress. He made himself available to be contacted at any time. Four weeks on from the operation, he is still in contact to ensure my mother is making good progress which, I am happy to say, she is. Simon is highly skilled and is professional in his approach yet has a very personable, caring manner. I firmly believe that he saved my mother's life and I am most grateful to him. We could not have found a better doctor.

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Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

I first met Simon at a bariatric open evening in March 2014. During his presentation he described the different options that were available, along with lots of information and diagrams. He had so much enthusiasm and zest about this subject that you couldn't help but be put at ease and have confidence in his skill. There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and nothing was too much trouble. I decided there and then that I wanted Simon to be my surgeon and booked a consultation with him for the following day! During my consultation Simon asked lots of questions to help me decide on the correct procedure for me. He showed me an example of the band that would be put in place and explained everything in plain English, but didn't gloss over anything. I felt that Simon's manner and attitude was very friendly, supportive and genuine. Once again I was reassured and full of confidence in him and booked my operation with him. On the day of my op, Simon came into see me and once again went through the procedure. Along with any hiccups that could occur. He gave both myself and my husband his undivided attention and time. After my op, Simon phoned my husband to tell him about the op and how it went. Simon visited me again before he went home to check on me, and then again in the morning before my discharge. He explained how it went and asked about my welfare. Since leaving the hospital, he has been in-touch with me to offer encouragement, support and praise on my achievements. Simon is an extremely professional consultant with the personal touch. He cares about his patients and has a wonderful passion about bariatrics which shines through in his work. I could not recommend him enough. If anyone is thinking of having bariatric surgery, he is the one to choose. He has helped me change my life and hopefully will continue to be part of my future journey.

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Written by a patient at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

From the moment I met Mr Monkhouse I felt I was in great hands. Time was taken to explain procedures honestly and with all the ups and downs pointed out of surgery pointed out. Although nothing was "sugar coated" Mr Monkhouse's manner is very freindly and supportive, you really get the feeling that he genuinely cares about his patients and carries out his roles to the very best of his abilities. I felt cared for and reassurred at evey point. Mr Monkhouse will talk about your needs for surgery to ensure that he is doing the right thing for you and is with you every step of the way. I would whole heartedly recommend Mr Monkhouse to anyone thinking of Bariatric procedures, you can tell this is his passion and you could not be in better hands.

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Written by a patient at Musgrove Park Hospital

I would recommend this Dr to anyone. He has a fantastic 'bedside manner', explained my condition in clear and concise details with great drawings! He gave me the facts both positive and negative whilst making me feel relaxed and cared for. Whichever hospital he gets a consultant post in will be very lucky to have him.

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