Mr Vasileios Arzoglou

Written by a NHS patient at Castle Hill Hospital

Mr Arzoglou operated on me (complex spinal cord compression) in 2015 and I was extremely fortunate to have a good outcome following months of rehab at Pinderfields. In 2021 I was experiencing numbness again (this was the first sign of problems before my surgery). Mr Arzoglou reviewed my MRI (I still have two discs with calcifications) and he assured me that I should not worry about them and couldn't explain the numbness which has now settled. I was extremely anxious (especially as I had to see him on my own due to covid protocols) He actually listens to what you have to say and soon puts you at your ease.

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Written by a NHS patient at Castle Hill Hospital

Firstly i would like to say that the Coronovirus was still having an impact following my referral by my GP to the Neurosurgeons at Hull Royal Infirmary. Whilst awaiting their input i was informed that they needed a second MRI scan. Having had that done i heard nothing about the result or even about the reason why it was required. At this time i was suffering from an attack of sciatica and other back pain. I was making a number of telephone calls to Mr Arzoglou's department, speaking with the secretary about the constant pain i was suffering, and having no contact with either Mr Arzoglou or a member of his team. I was happy, with the time frame, following the initial contact about my operation date, with my being admitted for the procedure, 5 days in total. Following my operation, and subsequent discharge, i was contacted, at about six weeks, by a member of the Physio team who asked how i was getting on. I informed him that i was suffering from a lot of pain to which he replied, ok we can discharge you then. At no time in the five months since have i been seen or spoken to by anybody from Mr Arzoglou's team. I am currently experiencing a significant amount of pain and have been placed on pain management by my G.P. Following intervention by Occupational Health, through my place of work, I have recently started to see a Physiotherapist due to a lack of overall back movement and the aforementioned pain. In some ways i believe the operation has been a success, i do not have the same symptoms, however, having being unable to pass on my concerns to the Neurosurgeons i do not know if the issues i have now are as a result, or something new.

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Written by a NHS patient at Castle Hill Hospital

Mr Arzoglou has been excellent. His patient communication skills are great, he has gone over and above what is required of his role and has given me my quality of life back, for which I am very grateful. Many thanks to Mr Arzoglou.

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Written by a NHS patient at Castle Hill Hospital

In spite of the problems created by the pandemic this doctor contacted me to keep me updated. Both times I have seen him he has been extremely kind and caring. He explained things in detail and even though I decided not to go ahead with the surgery I felt he had given me the confidence to make the right decision. He said he would be there for me in the future should I need his services again.

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Written by a NHS patient at Hull Royal Infirmary

I was referred to a neurosurgeon, Mr Arzoglou, when my ability to walk and hold myself upright was becoming increasingly difficult and painful. I was extremely anxious during my first consultation when I was shown the x-rays of my spine and told just how bad things were but this consultant treated me kindly and patiently and explained in "plain English" what had happened over time and what would continue to happen with no intervention. He was calm and reassuring; asked me lots of questions and encouraged me to ask questions to better understand what the problem was. At this time he briefly outlined what he could do to improve the situation, but there were lots of pros and cons so he gave me a very detailed letter explaining absolutely everything and told me to go home, thoroughly read the information given and discuss it with my family before making any decisions. He then arranged a followup appointment and suggested I bring one or more members of my family so it could be openly discussed with us all and he could answer whatever doubts they may have. I gained total confidence in him at this second appointment through the way he responded to everything they asked him about the operation, irrelevant or not! When the appointment ended I was absolutely sure I wanted to go ahead with the surgery even though there were no guarantees. I have had my surgery now, and may need further surgery in the coming months but I have total confidence in Mr Arzoglou that he will do whatever he can to make my quality of life as good as he can. He treated me and my family with kindness, consideration and positivity both pre and post op and I do not see how the care I received could be improved.

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