Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham General Hospital 2025-07-28 Person 1 5 0

This is a review about the Thirlestaine Breast Centre, which is part of Cheltenham General Hospital. I went to the Thirlestaine Breast Centre on the 28th July 2025. As someone with a family history of breast cancer (my aunt on my father’s side had a double mastectomy at the age of 40), I have been vigilant about my health and started breast screening as soon as I was advised to do so. I recently relocated to Cheltenham and asked my GP to refer me to a breast clinic so that I could be followed by a specialist. I was diagnosed with a benign nodule on my left breast in 2022. In total, I have had 2 mammograms and several scans. The latest mammogram was done in October 2024; 8 months ago. When I attended my appointment at Thirlestaine Breast Centre, I brought all my scans and all my mammograms with me. My goal was simple: to be seen by a specialist and registered for ongoing monitoring. To my surprise, the specialist refused to look at the scans, showed no interest in my recent imaging history, and instead immediately proposed a biopsy and another mammogram, just eight months after my last one. When I questioned the necessity and expressed concerns about further radiation exposure from frequent mammography, especially in higher-risk individuals, the specialist dismissed them completely, stating that mammograms can safely be repeated after six months and that biopsies pose no risk. However, according to NHS guidelines and NICE CG164, clinicians should not rush to biopsy or repeat imaging without clinical evidence, especially in asymptomatic patients with recent normal scans. A biopsy, while generally safe, still carries risks such as pain, infection, scarring, and the psychological toll of false positives. These decisions should be based on reviewing existing imaging and risk factors, which did not happen in my case. She did not want to look at my scans and mammograms. The doctor went further and told me that I was “uninformed” and even claimed that the previous breast specialist who had seen me had poorly managed my care simply because they had chosen not to perform a biopsy and advised against frequent mammograms. This was an inappropriate and unprofessional way to speak about another clinician, especially without reviewing my records. Despite my elevated risk, I was also denied entry into any follow-up system that would recall me for future mammograms. That was the main reason I asked for the referral, to make sure I wouldn’t fall through the cracks after moving to Cheltenham. To make matters worse, the doctor said she would write to my GP to discourage similar referrals, implying that I had wasted NHS resources and that the breast clinic was not meant for patients with my profile. I came seeking responsible, preventive care based on family history and current medical guidance and instead was met with condescension and exclusion. This experience left me feeling dismissed and unsupported. It’s disappointing that a proactive patient trying to manage risk responsibly would be treated this way. I hope this clinic reassesses how it handles consultations with higher-risk patients and adopts a more respectful, evidence-based, and collaborative approach. Good medicine starts with listening, not labelling concerned patients as "uninformed”.

Cheltenham General Hospital 2025-04-30 Person 5 5 0

Had a biopsy to check for prostate cancer. Staff were super helpful, friendly and kind putting me at ease from the very start. The unit is new and has cabins for patients. Staff kept on checking on me whilst waiting to go to surgery. I was well informed about what would happen about the op by the surgeon who talked to me about my previous scans. The anethatist was a lovely chap who said I wouldn't feel a thing and he was right. After the op, CJ woke me up and looked after me till I went to recovery. Recovery staff were great, coffee, water and a sandwich. Brilliant staff, great professional care. Our NHS is the best. Hopefully the govt will keep paying the staff what they deserve and more. They are great

Cheltenham General Hospital 2025-03-07 Person 5 5 0

Attended audiology a few days ago. Excellent care and service. I'm an unusual case and I was scared to go. Both appointments I have had they identified something thats been there all my life and told me what it was. I ve spent my whole life being chastised for not understanding people wholly. People think I'm ignorant, lieing or just plain rude. I didnt completely understand why I think I've heard everything but it turns out I'm not completely correct but at least I now know I might be able to improve. Thank you

Cheltenham General Hospital 2024-04-16 Person 1 5 0

There are too many deficiencies to make constructive suggestions.

Cheltenham General Hospital 2024-03-09 Person 5 5 0

In August 2021 my GP in Worcestershire made an orthopaedic referral for me due to the pain and mobility issues I was encountering because of osteoarthritis in both my knees. In the following two years and five months I attended 11 outpatient appointments, none of which were cancelled, in fact the only rescheduling of appointments was either at my request, (once), or on a couple of occasions being asked if I could attend earlier. The two operations I had at Cheltenham General Hospital both took place on the dates they were scheduled for, and were less than nine months apart. The follow up phone calls from the ward and the wound service all took place when I was told they would. Now in February 2024 I am the proud owner of two replacement knees! I can confidently say that the treatment and care I received at every level of this process has been exemplary, from the clerical team I spoke to over the phone, right through to the consultant/surgeon, anaesthetists and theatre nurses who performed both operations. The auxiliary staff and nurses in recovery and on the wards, the physiotherapists, x-ray technicians all did their utmost to make me feel comfortable and valued.

Cheltenham General Hospital 2021-04-16 Person 5 5 0

I had to go to Cheltenham aiu the staff where so Kind compassionate and made me feel that cared

Cheltenham General Hospital 2020-08-16 Person 5 5 0

I have attended Cheltenham General Hospital on several occasions as an outpatient and have always felt confident I was receiving excellent care. The staff have always been courteous and kind, putting patients at ease which is important. I have also been an inpatient and cannot fault the care I received. I find it hard to believe the rumours that the A & E depart may close permanently as it serves the wider community which continues to grow around this part of the county and is easier to reach for many patients than Gloucester Royal which seems so vast and impersonal. Cheltenham Hospital should be nurtured and maintained as it performs an excellent service to Gloucestershire. It is hard to find a suggestion on how improvements could be made apart from possibly encouraging more volunteers who could act as guides as one endeavours to follow the map which is sometimes supplied to patients having to go from one department to another especially if the patient is nervous or anxious and not absorbing the written information but there is always somebody to ask if one gets lost!

Cheltenham General Hospital 2019-11-19 Person 5 5 0

amazing, amazing, amazing. I 've never thought I had a great relationship with healthcare. However since moving to the Cheltenham area my care has been outstanding. I had two borderline ovarian cysts. They were removed in Gloucestershire hospital and I had a total hysterectomy in Cheltenham. I only stayed in overnight for each operation. From start to finish it was professional. My surgeon was Mr Gornall. My specialist nurse was Lisa. I stayed on Bibury ward. I have a few very tiny small scars. It was all swift, I was kept informed all the way. I even had a tiny meltdown in the middle as I didn't want to go back into hospital for the hysterectomy, i can't do people. They kept me on track. I found out today I'm free from any disease relating to the cysts. I'm ecstatic to be honest. I've always dreaded hospitals etc. but this was second to none. They deserve recognition. It's just sheer excellence in difficult situations.

Cheltenham General Hospital 2019-11-18 Person 4 5 0

Very efficient

Cheltenham General Hospital 2019-11-14 Person 5 5 0

Feeling scared after my diagnosis, I was lucky to be surrounded by the most extraordinary team of professionals...never patronising, but informative, caring and despite the long working hours, always there for my every need. Prescott Ward with Gill/Rhiana/Mr Patel/Mr Jaunoo and Dr Sian Maguire...The team at Chedworth Ward and Dr Gibbons & team that made a scary procedure manageable. I am forever grateful to you all Araceli Humphreys