Professor Irshad Shaikh

Written by a patient at Spire Norwich Hospital

In relation to other conditions experienced by patients in this review mine was somewhat minor. Although it brought annoying levels of discomfort when sitting, and prevented me from enjoying my favourite past time of cycling. My GP had diagnosed a pilonidal sinus in April 2018, saying that there was little that could be done medically except a surgical intervention if the condition deteriorated. By November 2018 my tolerance level had reached zero, I asked my GP to arrange a consultation at the Spire Hospital with a view to a surgical intervention. As a result I had a consultation with Mr Shaikh, who I found to be a good listener in the extreme; he displayed a high level of empathy and explained in easily understood terms the options open to me. He stressed that the surgical route although available was not without risks associated with the anal part of the body. He suggested that I wait and watch whilst maintaining an extreme level of hygiene and hopefully the condition would clear up. However, if the problem persisted I was contact him again in March to re-visit the probability of a surgical procedure. By following Mr Shaikh’s advice rigorously for several weeks the condition improved and eventually healed completely. A surgical solution was not required. Although in the realm of private health care, there was never any pressure to take the more expensive surgical option. Without any hesitation I would say that Mr Shaikh is a solid, approachable and caring individual who places the wellbeing of his patients first.

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Written by a patient at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

I was referred to Mr Shaikh by my local hospital to perform surgery for anal cancer. From my first consultation with him he demonstrated great empathy for my situation, without patronising me. He fully explained the very complex procedure along with all the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’. He described realistic expectations in an honest, but gentle manner. He showed respect for me as a patient and answered all questions fully, without making me feel that I was asking silly questions. He kept me fully informed of the treatment I could expect, even phoning me a couple of days before my planned op date to update me on information he had received from colleagues. My operation was totally successful I am delighted to say. Whilst on the ward, Mr Shaikh and the surgical team continued to treat me with respect, informing me of my condition and outcomes in an honest, professional but friendly manner. The whole experience was totally patient centred. At a follow up appointment some weeks after discharge Mr Shaikh was encouraging and motivational about my good recovery, which, no doubt, aided my recovery further. I extend this positive review and sincere thanks to the whole of the colorectal surgical team and nurses that supported me on Dilham ward and HDU during my stay at NNUH.

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Written by a patient at Spire Norwich Hospital

Dr Shaikh is a very helpful and friendly person.I would recommend him and the team that was working with him 100%. The way things were explained to me before and after my opp were fantastic.

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Written by a carer at Spire Norwich Hospital

Today we had an initial consaultation with this fantastic Dr . After my Husband being in excruciating pain with a fisher. This marvellous man has offered a fast and simple procedure to hopefully allow us to live our lives again. Surgery is booked for next week and we actually can’t wait.

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Written by a patient at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

I had been suffering with a painful backside for about 6 weeks with a gradual increase in severity. I used my local GP service who advised I had an anal fissure. The treatment recommended was very much 'use this cream' and come back if things don't get better. The pain control offered (Naproxen) had absolutely no impact on what I was being hit with. This type of intervention carried on until I was reduced to incapacity to work (self employed), a total panic as to what level of pain I would be suffering from each day and complete despair. I had been admitted to A+E twice where no intervention was offered. At this point I contacted Dr Shaikh on advice of the Spire Hospital and attended a consultation. When I arrived at the hospital I was desperate, and extremely alarmed by my terrible pain that would last for hours and absolutely nobody was offering any plan to help. Mr Shaikh changed all that! He listened very carefully to me and agreed with the fissure diagnosis BUT also explained my symptoms were not typical for a fissure, how right he was. Mr Shaikh had such great empathy with my predicament, here was somebody saying that they understood how much pain I was in and it was going to stop. It was the best I had felt in weeks He was excellent at explaining my anatomy and how that was relevant to my problem. Ultimately he offered a number of treatment options (and described the limitations of each) that he would be able to perform. Unfortunately things progressed to a crescendo of trouble even before Mr Shaikh could operate and the emergency unit of the local hospital were superb. Mr Shaikh was of course correct, a fissure was a small part of the problem with fistulas and abscesses all present as well. Sadly my local G.Ps had not considered these possible additional joys in the diagnostic process In summary, Mr Shaikh is one of the most compassionate, professional and diligent people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His experience and good humour lifted my spirit at a very dark time and I would entirely recommend him to anyone requiring the very best care

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