Mr Pubudu Nilantha Jeevendra Pathiraja

Written by a private patient at The Manor Hospital, Oxford

Mr Pathiraja operated on me twice in the period of 8 months, both times brilliantly, and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for being the best and giving his best when I really needed help. First operation was on the NHS in June 2020, during the pandemic, when he performed a laparoscopy which helped diagnose ovarian cancer. I recovered in record time with no infections and the minimum use of painkillers. He was the person who told me that I had cancer and he did it with immense tact and kindness, aware that doing it over the phone (as all appointments were done at the time) it would have been difficult for me. The second operation was done privately in Oxford Manor Hospital in February 2021, after I went through a four month course of chemotherapy. By this time Mr Pathiraja was not working for the NHS in Oxford and we were assigned another surgeon. This was the worst time in my treatment, when the difficulties of the operation were presented as almost unsurmountable and we were advised to simply wait and see if/when the cancer returned. It was an option, the risk was high, but it left us in limbo and having to make decisions we were not qualified to do. We were facing a very bleak Christmas. A phone call to Mr Pathiraja made everything simple and doable and he gave us a gift of relaxed Christmas and more importantly, a future. Everything was explained with quiet confidence and not many words, but both I and my husband felt as if a huge burden was lifted from our shoulders and someone has given us a shelter. This type of support cannot be overestimated in its importance for the wellbeing to a patient. For us, it was a deus-ex-machina moment which we will remember. By the time the operation (keyhole hysterectomy, removal of nearby tissues, gland biopsies…) was organised privately, it was the height of the pandemic in February, but it went ahead and everything went well with it. I spent only one night in the hospital, nothing got infected, took painkillers for a week and was doing a five mile walk after two weeks. I have since done ten mile walks and, although I get tired, I am also getting better and better every day. Having this second operation gave me the gift of knowing that I have much better chances for the future, and what a gift that is.

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Listening

Written by a patient at The Manor Hospital, Oxford

When faced with uncertainty and difficulty in understanding what may be the outcome from results that could become life threatening, I was so fortunate to be under the care and consultation of Mr Pathiraja. He is the kindest and most caring consultant, who listens, and considers every question as important, whilst explaining every term, result and procedure (in non-medical language) to make you feel comfortable and at ease. His manner and approach, with empathy made me trust him very quickly and his expertise and tone in explanation, made me feel comfortable in knowing that the surgery I was about to undergo would be performed with my safety, interest and well being in mind. I didn't feel rushed or dismissed at any point, and with the professionalism of Mr Pathiraja and the kind and responsive approach from Fiona, I always felt I could ask all the questions with no delays to help me feel supported through the whole process. After the hysterectomy surgery, Mr Pathiraja made sure with daily visits at The Manor that I was okay, recovering and his sense of humour, genuine concern to help you feel comfortable really helped my recovery, as I knew I could ask any questions (and I know some were a bit stupid!). I found from the initial appointment, the surgery and explanations, the after care has been exceptional and I feel so lucky to have been through the procedure with Mr Pathiraja. I would recommend him to anyone, as he was the first person that made me feel at ease, less worried and have strength in dealing with the outcome. It's a tough journey hearing cancer, but the care and support, with extreme professionalism and humility, compassion, empathy and support really helps you to keep focused with the strength that it will all be okay, as you know whatever Mr Pathiraja does will be the best approach for you. I feel lucky to have come through the procedure, am on the road to recovery and felt safe, in knowing that if I needed I could text/call/email Mr Pathiraja and get a reply straight away. I do have to say that Fiona Goulthrop (private secretary) was also so helpful with any questions, follow up appointments and never made me feel like I was harassing her (although I felt I was sometimes!). The surgery is the priority but I feel that the care and kindness, in being made to feel like an individual and not being rushed helps the stress and recovery, and that is definitely what you will get form Mr Pathiraja, he definitely goes the extra mile!

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Listening

Written by a patient at The Churchill

It was long six years since Mr. Pathiraja operated on me when I was told by others that there is no hope and I am here now, living a wonderful life. I don't know how to express my gratitude enough for all he did against all odds and going the extra mile for me. I am sad find out that he is leaving Churchill but he said "I will be around" and smiled. He never said much about the surgery and all I know was that it was challenging from other surgeons. What a humble gentleman and I am very sad to see him leaving. I said "I might see you in Manor !" - simply said "you are discharged now but always welcome if you have any problem and don't bother paying to see me".

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Listening

Written by a carer at The Churchill

One of the best doctors, great care

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Listening

Written by a patient at The Manor Hospital, Oxford

I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in January 2019 following a full hysterectomy so was then passed to the care of Mr Pathiraja. He advised that due to the type of tumour I had I needed a second operation to remove all immediately surrounding organs to ensure the cancer hadn't spread. This was only 4 weeks after the first, very large operation and I was pretty scared as I had only just found out I had cancer so was in shock really. Mr Pathiraja was extremely kind and reassuring and explained in detail what he needed to do and why, which really helped us prepare for the second operation which was larger than than the first. I was so so lucky as the second op found no further cancer cells but again Mr P spent a great deal of time talking to us so that we fully understood everything that had happened. Given that we were like rabbits in a headlight when all of this happened it made such a difference to have someone take the time to explain things in great detail and answer all of the questions both me and my husband threw at him, and in a language that we understood. We never felt rushed in any of the consultations we have had with him, and having just had my 6 month check up I have been reminded again how caring and patient he is. When you've just been told you have cancer having someone be reassuring and professional, but also humane, makes an immeasurable difference so I cannot recommend Mr Pathiraja enough.

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