Mr Ali Salih

Written by a patient at Basildon Hospital

Dr. Salih performed my right mastectomy at Basildon Hospital on the 21st October. The operation was a complete success without complications and I found Dr. Salih to be very professional. He diagnosed my breast cancer on 31st August 2019, the same day of my mammogram and biopsies. I had the standard 2 week wait for results on my prognosis, what type of cancer I had and the grade etc. I am 48 years old with young children and the prospect of potentially not being here was devastating. During that 2 week wait I decided I wanted a double mastectomy as there is a family history of it returning in the other breast. I was very disappointed when Dr. Salih said that is not an option he would not remove healthy breast tissue, unnecessary surgery. At the time this deeply upset me, I felt it was essential to lengthen my odds. It is an extremely emotional time and therefore difficult to understand Dr. Salih’s primary focus as surgeon is to remove the cancer from your body that is his job, the future issues fall under other umbrella’s like oncology. Apart from not being able to have a double mastectomy the other negatives; receiving a copy of a letter sent to my GP which stated my left breast had several benign enhancements and a shadow ? I had not been informed of this in my appointments and it caused anxiety ... surely that was evidence I should have them both removed ? Over to my breast nurse Helen who was/is amazing she understood my frustration and rather than make excuses said she would make Mr. Salih aware how it affected me, he is very busy and again only concerned with actual cancer but when your a cancer patient any other relevant information not discussed causes distress. I am still under Basildon hospital and due to start my chemotherapy in January. Mr. Salih is extremely busy he has a never ending patient list and appointments are very rushed (most of mine were also up to 2 hours late) that said he is an excellent surgeon and I feel very fortunate to have fallen onto his list. Points to note for improvement ; When Mr. Salih told me I had cancer I was alone, he said I will leave you with the nurse to book you in for 2 weeks time and answer any questions. (I don’t know if she was a nurse or an auxiliary) but in my shock the only questions I had were should I take anything or stop anything during the 2 week wait and I’m guessing it’s bad because he said he was concerned with the size of my tumour. She said to live every day to the full and spend every penny I had. On the concern she said but it’s positive that he hasn’t sent you for a bone scan, that would be worse. So I left the room thinking I’m probably dying, those comments made it worse and as for the positive ... he did actually send me for a bone scan and a CT scan 2 weeks later which again terrified me. She was a lovely lady with the best intentions but should refrain from those in future.

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Written by a patient at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital

Very happy with my treatment for a bi lateral inguinal hernia.

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Written by a patient at Basildon Hospital

My appointment with Mr Ali Salih at Basildon Hospital on 4th December 2019 went very well. After my examination, I had a mamogram just to make sure I did not have breast cancer. The results confirmed this and I was discharged. I found the organisation very professional and did not have to wait too long seeing him and his nursing staff. I was thoroughly examined with care and efficiency and could not fault the treatment received.Well done to the hospital, and Mr Salih and his staff in particular. When the NHS works, it certainly works. Thank you.

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Written by a patient at Spire Hartswood Hospital

After seeing Mr Salih at Basildon hospital I was told that i needed double mastectomy and he assured me and gave me confidence that the cancer had not moved on. I had operation at Spire Hartswood as it was at a busy time at Basildon due to holidays etc in 2 days was home again. I am now in my second year and have felt fit and well since. I am 81 years old and still enjoying life thanks to Mr Salih I could not thank him enough for his time patience and assurance at all times that the cancer had not moved on.He is a very professional and clever Doctor and i would highly recommend him

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Written by a carer at Basildon Hospital

Feedback is being provided on behalf of my Mum. She had a lumpectomy at Basildon Hospital performed by Mr Ali Salih. At all stages the information provided was clear and understandable. The operation was performed as day surgery which went smoothly. He and his teamed were first class.

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