Share review of Professor Omer Aziz

Professor Omer Aziz 2016-06-09 Person 5 5 0

Initially my diagnosis was unclear at my local hospital. My consultant contacted The Christie to seek specialist advice. Due to the staggered times of MDT meetings to discuss my case in both hospitals there was a 5 week wait before I was operated on at my local hospital. There was a level of ambiguity regarding the histology of the removed appendix, tumour and a section of bowel it was eventually diagnosed as a rare tumour. This was a very confusing and anxious time as due to two hospitals being involved I was not kept fully informed until I met with Mr Aziz in Manchester. I aired my concerns as a patient regarding this which Mr Aziz took on board and would pass on to improve communication for patients like myself who live some hours away. I met with Mr Aziz and Rebecca Halsted (who was assigned as my contact nurse, she is truly amazing) for my initial consultation. Mr Aziz has personal and professional qualities that immediately instil confidence and a level of calm in life changing situations. He explained very clearly what had been found and what he recommended to obtain the very best prognosis. This was to include a 10 hour operation with internal chemotherapy. Mr Aziz answered questions posed by my family and me even drawing anatomical diagrams to support understanding. As I live some 5 hours away my pre op assessment was also scheduled for that day. I appreciate this was arranged to facilitate me but looking at the content of the day I found this too much to deal with after the consultation. It wasn't made clear to me that this was happening until I was given an envelope when arrived. Mr Aziz followed up this consultation the following week by telephone to discuss any further questions I had and as to whether I had decided to go ahead with the operation. Without his compassion and complete professionalism I may have chosen to defer this operation. Under the care of Mr Aziz and his team on the day of the operation I was totally aware of the procedure as well as the post-operative care from CCU to the ward through to discharge. The anaesthetic team ensured I was as calm and collected as I could be prior to the operation, for that I am very grateful. Once the surgery was completed Mr Aziz personally rang my husband to inform him of the outcome of the operation. That gesture was gratefully received as he had paced the length and breadth of Manchester for those 10 long hours. Mr Aziz also came to see me in CCU to inform me of the same. Throughout my 12 day stay in The Christie I was treated by a brilliant professional team with dignity, respect and care. Mr Aziz has continued to keep me informed through consultation and by mail of my histology and the next steps in my continued care. I am extremely grateful as is my family for the expertise and care given to me by Mr Aziz and the multi-disciplinary team at The Christie… through illness I became part of the Christie family… real people who really care. Thank you