Mr Siong Seng Liau

Written by a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital

From the first time I met Mr Liau, on Nov 5th 2020 I could see that he was caring and thorough. I arrived in the clinic on my own but he did not go on with the consultation until my husband joined us, so that he could be fully aware of all aspects of the situation. This meant explaining my condition as it had been found, and having all possible responses explained. I could see that after several tests and discussions a decision had been jointly arrived at that I would be a suitable patient to have surgery, namely Whipple's procedure. After time for consideration and opportunity to clarify and ask questions, I came to see that I had an offer that not all patients have, that delaying may mean changes in practice due to Covid, and that this is a major operation. I agreed to contact the nurse in a few days, having given myself time to make my decision. I felt under no pressure. Following my discussion with Mr Liau and the HTP nurse I had a most helpful and enlightening conversation with the dietician. After making the decision to go ahead with surgery I continued to have support from the HTP nurse who had been at the initial interview, the dietician and others. The next time I met Mr Liau was when I arrived at the door of the theatre was I was greeted by himself and some of the team. We spoke briefly, and I felt respected. Following surgery I was aware of great support by lots of members of the team, reminding me that I had had a big operation and keep trying to follow advice and do my best to allow my health to improve. I was amazed at the care of the Doctors, taking time, listening, understanding and encouraging even on days when I felt less positive. I felt dieticians showed particular understanding. and also Occupational therapists. Mr Liau came to see me on the ward after nearly 2 weeks, and was very clear in saying again how major my surgery had been, and that I needed to continue to try to keep walking and eating well to make good progress. The last time I spoke to Mr Liau I had been able to speak to the dietician again for further support and advice, which has proved helpful. In this phone consultation Mr Liau was able to speak about the experience thus far, referring to the surgery, what had been found, my recovery, and anticipated next step. And again I was able to ask for clarification, and ask questions. The most surprising thing for me was to realise that I was one of the last operations to take place before Covid changed things. I am most very grateful for the opportunity Mr Liau gave me, the qualities he could see in me to be a suitable patient, and his skills and expertise as a surgeon, dealing with a situation that was unexpected. I was also aware of the respect that he had from other members of the team. The characteristic that probably most surprised me was the way he respected me, when I thanked him for his encouragement and support, he has always changed it to helping me to see the efforts I have had to make to get through accepting the surgery, and coping with the recovery. Really affirming for me, and showing great care and concern for a patient.

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Listening

Written by a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital

As well as being a highly skilled surgeon who has saved my life and provided me with a good quality of life, Mr Liau is a most charming, caring and good humoured personality. In my eyes, he has become a valued friend, and my wife and I always much look forward to meeting him again on my regular consultations. It seems inappropriate to say anything negative about such a wonderful gentleman, but my only suggestion for improvement would be to try to speak slightly more loudly for elderly patients with failing hearing, such as myself, especially when wearing a face covering as in the present pandemic; I have to rely on my spritely wife, who fortunately has excellent hearing, to fill in the gaps retrospectively!

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Listening

Written by a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital

Mr Liau exudes confidence and passes this on to the patient, knowing that the treatment received will be the best and given by a caring and dedicated team. Everything was fully explained before the operation so that recovery would not be hindered by a surprised procedure. In all the meetings with Mr Liau all details were fully explained, even being shown with the aid of sketches. The operation changed the life I had known for some 7 to 8 months since the first attack. My appreciation also goes to all the support staff, anaesthetist, theatre support staff, dieticians and the general nursing team in the recovery wards. The job was not an easy one but you all made me feel a 'different person'. Thank you all very much.

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Listening

Written by a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital

I submitted my previous review yesterday, (following my latest consultation with Mr. Liau) on reflection, albeit a lengthy review I realise I have omitted several points. That being said I feel I need to submit this additional review. Following the initial surgery (I underwent with my private healthcare provider) my health deteriorated fairly quickly. Nine days later I met Mr. Liau. At this point I was very ill and the weakest I have ever felt in my life and (it’s hard for me to admit this) I was terrified. All those fears were allayed after one conversation with Mr. Liau. One of the procedures I had was a Hepaticojejunostomy (Google it.) it still amazes me when I think that Mr. Liau carried out this and a number of other procedures over an almost eight hour period. It’s four years since Mr. Liau introduced himself to me at Addenbrookes Hospital. I feel as if my life was saved that day. I know it was changed and changed for the better. Each time I meet him for my consultations I thank him for how he’s changed my life. I honestly couldn’t thank him enough and he seems embarrassed by my gratitude. I feel that my well-being is thanks enough for him. My life was in this man’s hands and I sit here and write a review as if I’m on Tripadvisor reviewing a hotel, I get the point but it makes it no less bizarre, and as far as reviews go I would need to write a book. The care and attention I have received from Mr. Liau during the past four years has been outstanding. I feel privileged to have met him and considering the circumstances of our meeting, I also feel incredibly fortunate. To offer him my thanks for the effect he has had on my life seems somewhat inadequate, but thank him I do and I will continue do so for the rest of my life.

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Written by a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital

I underwent a Cholecystectomy at a private hospital in Norfolk. Following my procedure my post operative recovery was not as expected and after four days of 'observation' my health had deteriorated and I received a scan. Following the results of the scan I was told a further procedure was required and (as the private hospital lacked the facilities required to carry out the procedure ) I would have to be transferred to the NHS hospital in Norwich. During the second procedure it was discovered that the problem was not as originally diagnosed and a further surgery was required. I was informed (by the surgeon of my original procedure) that this procedure was somewhat intricate and I would be transferred to Addenbrookes Hospital as they had a surgeon with the 'capability' (his description not mine) to carry out the surgery. I was transferred to Addenbrookes and I was admitted to ward C7. during that afternoon and evening I had several tests and various scans. The next morning I met Mr. Liau, the surgeon who would perform the required procedures. It was nine days after my Cholecystectomy, I'd been on 'fluids only' for seven days, I'd lost quite a bit of weight. I'd had a drain inserted into my stomach and had watched a bag fill up with bile only to be emptied so it could refill. To say I wasn't at my best is an understatement! This all changed when I met Mr. Liau. By this point I was more than concerned about my situation but after chatting with Mr. Liau I had far less concerns than before. I was taken to surgery just before noon and after various procedures (and nearly eight hours later) I awoke in recovery and less than half an hour later Mr. Liau came to visit me. He explained the various procedures I'd undergone and he answered all of my questions. He came to see me the following morning and we discussed the procedures in greater detail and he gave me some advice regarding my recovery, he told me he was leaving on vacation and he promised he would call back to see me on his return. Four days later I returned to Ward C7. The treatment I received from every single member of staff was first class. The dedication of the staff members was amazing. I felt cared for every minute of every hour of every day I was in Addenbrookes Hospital. Ten days after undergoing my procedures I was discharged from the hospital, that same morning Mr. Liau (as promised) came to see me before I left the hospital and since then I've seen him once a year (for the past four years) for a consultation after my yearly ultrasound examinations. I can honestly say that I feel humbled in the presence of this man, he accepts no thanks for the surgical care he gave to me, his concern and professionalism are there for all to see, he is an excellent surgeon. During consultations he is informative, he answers all of your questions, you never feel rushed and are always made to feel at ease. Five stars aren't enough.

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