Share review of Mr Angelos Kolias

Mr Angelos Kolias 2022-07-19 Person 5 5 0

Mr Kolias performed surgery to relieve my elderly mother's myelopathy. When recommending surgery he took care to make sure we understood the procedure and potential risks, and the likely clinical outcome (ie not a 'cure' but preventing further deterioration). Following further deterioration in her condition, my mother was subsequently admitted via A&E with the intention of surgery the following day. Due to COVID restrictions I was unable to accompany her. Mr Kolias called me the next day to let me know that surgery would be delayed 24h due to several urgent admissions over night. He took the opportunity to ask about plans for Mum's support post-surgery and I explained I had arranged extra help but was personally stretched as my husband had also been admitted that day with a broken leg. The surgery was successful and Mr Kolias visited Mum regularly on the ward. On one occasion I was visiting and he took the time to ask after my husband. I took this as a great example of active listening during one of what I assume are many calls he has to make, and of taking an holistic interest in the welfare of his patient and their family support network. I accompanied my mother to a recent follow up appointment in the clinic and he showed her the relevant scans of her head and neck and explained exactly what had been done in surgery. As a former nurse she was very interested in this detail and I thought it showed respect for my mother as an individual. He also asked again about my husband. From my interactions with Mr Kolias I have formed an impression of a skilled and knowledgeable surgeon who shows great empathy towards his patients and their families. I also appreciated his calm and patient demeanour in explaining medical details and risks in a way which helped my mum to make an informed decision about her surgery.