Mr Paul Thiruchelvam was awarded the iWantGreatCare certificate of excellence in 2024 for delivering outstanding care.

 

Reviews

 
Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
Page 43 of 46
 
Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
24th June 2017


I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and from my first appointment with Dr. Paul I felt I was being cared for. He explained everything that would happen and had the patience to answer all my questions. While talking to me I felt I had his attention and his honest and caring personality made me trust him completely. I wouldn't want any other doctor. Dr. Paul made me feel a person, not only another patient.

Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
25th May 2017


I was fortunate to be under the care of Paul Thiruchelvam at Charing Cross for my breast treatment. He was a calming presence from the first meeting when he explained, in a clear manner, the procedure that was to be carried out, allowing time for me to process the information and to ask questions. To be told that I required an operation was a shock, but I did feel very reassured that I was being dealt with by a competent and considerate surgeon. This was a routine appointment for him, but at no time did he make me feel as if I was just another patient. On the morning of the operation Paul Thiruchelvam came to talk to me on my arrival on the ward, then just before the operation, and later, in the second recovery room after the operation. The following morning he called me to check on how I was doing. I was impressed by this exceptional level of care and attention.Though it was such a worrying time for me, it was a very positive experience overall, thanks to the excellent care provided by Paul Thiruchelvam and all the Breast Care team at Charing Cross Hospital. Thank you.

Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
7th April 2017


Paul is an incredibly caring surgeon. The operation he performed initially had a superb outcome. He gives the impression that he worries about you as an individual finding time to answer questions and talk about your case. He never rushes you out but gives you all the time you need. He makes himself available and will always reply to an email (day or night) particularly if you are asking a question. He is also completely honest and does not seek to placate you with false optimism. You know where you stand at all times. Considering the number of issues in my case, the pace was maintained throughout. Paul's surgery skills are amazing and the outcome superb. Unfortunately I needed a follow up operation to remove further lymph nodes. This was undertaken swiftly and efficiently. Paul explained clearly that this was necessary because the cancer needed to be removed. In retrospect I think it would be useful to record where the radiologist takes the initial biopsy of the lymph nodes as a guide to the surgeon so if it was positive (or negative) in terms of cancerous cells that area could found again at a later stage. It may avoid taking out lymph nodes unnecessarily. However Paul and his team were quite simply superb throughout my surgery and the aftercare was exemplary and I would recommend Charing Cross to anyone as a centre of excellence which supported me through this immensely difficult time.

Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
Written by a carer at Charing Cross Hospital
4th April 2017


Paul is looking after my stepmother after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In her words she says " I am very lucky because he is my doctor". We all found him very professional, confident, supportive, caring and he explains very well what is going on and what needs to be done. In the preoperation room, Paul comes to greet his patients and gives them some support before they go in to theater. My step mother and all of us are very comfortable talking to him because he listens. All of these factors make the difficult appointments a little easier because we know we are seeing him. A good doctor that a patient can trust and feel comfortable with is a positive factor and affects how the patient feels during treatment. We fully recommend Paul and we wish him all the best in progressing even higher in his carrier, he is a lovely doctor with a lovely smile.

Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
20th March 2017


Paul was a professional of the highest order and in particular took time to explain all the elements of my treatment before and after surgery.He was able to provide expert information and instill confidence in the forthcoming procedures at a very difficult period for me. The follow up visits after the operation were extremely helpful and he seemed both personally and professionally pleased with the positive outcome. Finally, he and the whole team performed beyond any expectations and should be highly congratulated for the level of care,interpersonal skills and medical expertise.

Recommend
Trust
Listening
 
 

Page 43 of 46

Profile

Paul is a Consultant Breast and Reconstructive Surgeon at Imperial College NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Surgery at Imperial College, London.

He graduated from Imperial College in 2000 and undertook his Surgical Training in North West Thames, during which time he rotated through the breast units at Imperial College and The Royal Marsden. He completed his surgical training as a National Oncoplastic Group (TIG) fellow at the Nottingham Breast Institute, where he undertook research mapping the anatomy of chest wall perforator flaps (LICAP & LTAPs) in partial and total breast reconstruction.

Paul has undertaken travelling fellowships to the MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers, and was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship in 2016, visiting the United States and Japan to observe the use of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) and Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (LYMPHA) in primary lymphoedema prevention. Paul is actively involved in lymphedema prevention and surveillance.

As a member of the member of the expert panel on breast cancer related lymphoedema, he was involved in drafting best practice guidelines for the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is the current Chair of oncoplastic breast surgery for the American College of Surgeons and the and serves on the oncoplastic faculty for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and teaches on Surgical Techniques for the Prevention and Management of Lymphedema for the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Paul received his PhD in Molecular Oncology from Imperial College in 2010, under supervision from Professors Simak Ali, Laki Buluwela and Charles Coombes. He was awarded the first joint clinical research fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons and Cancer Research:UK to fund his research. He is actively involved in clinical trials, including the multi-centre PRADA trial.