Reviews
Simon is highly knowledgeable, friendly and reassuring. He fully explained how he was going to approach my anaesthetic, this put me at ease. When I had major surgery last year I had taken a long time to wake up and this frightened me and I was nervous of this happening again. Simon took time to explain why this may have happened and this was really helpful. He also took time to chat with me about my recovery from Cancer treatment and what an emotional experience it had been. When I went into theatre Simon and the team were professional whilst chatting and helping me to relax before I went off to sleep.
It is so important that health professionals not only have knowledge and a professional approach, empathy and understanding are equally as important, Simon has all these attributes. I would wholeheartedly recommend him.
Dr Raby provided excellent care. He was approachable, kind, supportive and really listened to me. I have a complex medical history and he took this into account and made sure he understood all my different problems. I have had many operations in the past and have never found the immediate post operative period easier. The way he monitors to maintain just enough levels of sedation made a huge difference to how I felt and got me back on my feet much sooner than I have from other similar length operations.
I was admitted to the Manor Hospital for elective spinal surgery in March2019.
Having undergone spinal surgery a few years ago at another hospital, I was very apprehensive about the second operation as I was very unwell following the previous procedure because of the effects of the general anaesthetic.
When I arrived in my room I was greeted by my surgeon and anaesthetist, Simon Raby. My surgeon talked with me about the planned surgery. I explained that I was very anxious about the surgery, especially the anaesthetic, Simon asked in detail to explain my anxieties, this I did, and was very relieved to hear from him that he was confident that he would be able to make my recovery experience much more acceptable.
I went into the anaesthetic room feeling nervous but reassured that my recovery would be more comfortable this time.
Upon waking from the anaesthetic, after two and a half hours I felt sleepy but fine, with no ill effects whatsoever.
I was taken back to my room and was able to drink small amounts of water.
This was 5 pm and by 7 pm I was able to enjoy an omelette!
My recovery regarding the anaesthetic was uneventful.
I can throughly recommend Simon Raby, as an anaesthetist and understanding man who listened to me with patience preoperatively.
Dr Simon Raby is the best anaesthetist I have met. I highly recommend him. I told him about my negative past experience and reaction to anaesthetic and that I worried more about the after effects of anaesthesia more than about the surgery itself. He listened to me carefully, answered all my questions and put me at ease. He came up with a plan to ensure that I don't react to anaesthetic as previously. He sat with me and looked after me during my surgery.
I was so happy when I woke up and felt absolutely fine! There was not a slightest hint of nausea and I could even eat an hour later which was amazing! He is very professional and a great doctor as well as a very nice person. When I had my pre surgery assessment, the nurse I saw said that I got the best anaesthetist in the hospital - Dr Raby. Thank you so much for looking after me and making sure I felt great after my surgery.
Dr Raby, I feel, went above and beyond to help me sort out ongoing treatment for my husband in very difficult and emotional circumstances. He personally helped me to register my husband with a local GP surgery in order to have continuation of treatment for my husband who has worked in the Oxfordshire area for 44 years. I found the care from him, and indeed the rest of the team was outstanding and a credit to your hospital.