Mr Vipul Patel 2017-01-02 Person 5 5 0

In May 2016 I was knocked from my bicycle in an accident with another cyclist. My collarbone was broken into four parts. Following xrays at Epsom General A&E, Mr Nick Little (an orthopaedic surgeon at Epsom / St Helier) diagnosed and recommended that I should have an operation to insert a plate that the parts of my collarbone could be aligned and fixed to. The big advantages of this procedure are a relatively quick return to normal life and confidence that the bone will heal correctly. Unfortunately beds were not available for me to have this operation performed by Mr Little at St Helier hospital. I am fortunate that I have private health cover through work. Mr Little helped me investigate this option. He recommended I have the procedure done by Mr Patel, as Mr Little would not be available for another few days and he felt I should have the operation as soon as possible. I duly booked into Spire St Anthony. Mr Patel visited me before the operation, clearly explained the planned procedure and examined me, marking up the correct shoulder. Mr Patel was very calm, thorough and encouraging. At 42 years of age this was the first operation of my life; I was nervous of the anasthetic and operation. Mr Patel was very reassuring. Apparently the operation went smoothly and successfully. Mr Patel came to see me the next morning and approved my discharge from hospital. I spent 5 days recovering at home...feeling very sleepy and using the paracetemol for pain relief. I was able to go back to work (desk / office job) 6 days after the operation. My shoulder healed pretty quickly and I was driving within 10 days. Mr Patel recommended I use an arm sling. This was really good for first week or two, partly to rest my arm, but also to signal to others that I had an injury and they should not hug or bump into me! After a fortnight I used the sling less...not needing it at all when sat at my desk. Mr Patel arranged check ups for me 1 week after surgery, 30 days later, 60 days later and then at the end of December. Each time staff at St Anthony's took xrays and then Mr Patel met with me to discuss how I was doing and share his interpretation of the xrays and my healing progress. I have made a fully recovery from my accident and following operation. I took my return to cycling cautiously...doing first gentle rides 90 days after the op with no problems...and 'normal' mountain biking after 150 days. Overall I would highly recommend Mr Patel and the whole team involved in my care at Spire St Anthony's. Mr Patel was very thorough, very professional and always happy to take time to answer my questions and assuage my concerns. He is clearly an expert in his field and did a great job fixing my shoulder!