Below is a patient’s experience in her own words - of her journey navigating through the layers of NHS complexity to finally being treated privately.
"I was first treated by Mr. Vedi eight years ago as an NHS patient. I underwent a successful surgery on my right knee. My GP had highly recommended Mr. Vedi and I was delighted with the care, kindness and skill of this fine surgeon.
Unfortunately, after a few years, symptoms began to return and increasing pain hindered and affected my daily life. In the interim time however the NHS system for muscular skeletal care changed. I was given an x-ray which appeared inconclusive and ongoing physiotherapy was recommended. With ongoing symptoms, I decided to be treated privately by a sports physiotherapist who surprised me with a diagnosis suggesting the ongoing pain could be deferred from the hip. With this information I returned to my GP in the hope of ascertaining a clearer diagnosis of the problem. As a muscular skeletal patient of the physiotherapy department, I was refused an MRI scan and a referral to a consultant. I felt trapped in a revolving door system that prevented any further progress in my diagnosis. The pain continued for two years, with increasing discomfort and immobility. By 2018 I was unable to walk without the aid of a crutch, mobility a daily struggle, and my once full and busy life became very limited.
At this point I decided to have a private consultation with Mr. Vedi. He remembered me, welcomed me and treated me with considerable kindness and respect. He listened and understood my frustration at not having an accurate diagnosis. He was confident that he could and would give me the diagnosis and treatment I required. In fact, within two hours I had had two consultations with one MRI scan and an x-ray. His diagnosis was clear – I had chronic osteoarthritis on my right hip and a torn ligament of the right knee.
I felt very reassured and confident that with this diagnosis there was hope and a prospect of change. Mr. Vedi assured me that a hip replacement and then further knee surgery would end my discomfort. We discussed NHS and private treatment options thoroughly. He was willing to operate within weeks had I agreed.
In respect I wished I had agreed to that option. However, I decided to wait and have the hip replacement through the NHS. That decision led to months of waiting and difficulties and increased pain and discomfort. I was therefore shocked when I was notified that NHS funding was not available to me. During this time my GP was very supportive but was perplexed and concerned at the obstacles and time delay for my required surgery.
The decision to return to Mr. Vedi as a private patient was in the end an easy one. I could not sleep, exercise or sit without severe pain. Mr. Vedi was generous in his care and compassion as we discussed the steps ahead. At this point I felt broken both physically and emotionally, and I was so grateful for his willingness to operate as soon as possible.
‘It’s half term next week, and I’ve cancelled all surgeries. I have planned to take my son to London on Thursday; however, I can operate on you first thing in the morning.’ My husband and I were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. The operation was a complete success. The care and dignity given to me during my hospital stay was outstanding. When I asked Mr. Vedi subsequently if the London trip with his family had gone well, he recalled the day with humour. ‘I decided to stay local just in case you needed me in the afternoon.’ I will never forget the gracious kindness of that statement and all that it implied. I will forever be grateful for the skill and compassion of a surgeon who was willing and able to treat and totally transform his patient’s life.
Six months on, I walk well and without any pain. I can play with my five grandchildren and have fulfilled my dream of being able to dance at my son’s wedding. I enjoy a quality of life I had thought impossible only a few months ago. The joy of recovery and the sense of renewal have been of the most profound experiences of my life. I am grateful for the absence of pain and the ability to engage in everyday life with confidence and pleasure.
All this was made possible by a gifted, talented and compassionate surgeon who identified and corrected a problem with efficiency and great skill. Above all, the dignity and kindness shown by Mr. Vedi towards a patient has been the outstanding memory of this difficult journey. My husband, my three children and five grandchildren all want to extend our gratitude and appreciation for all Mr. Vedi has done.
Yesterday during a trip to Bekonscot Model Village in Beasconfield, my four-year-old granddaughter said, ‘Nany, I am so happy you can sit with me on the train now. Now you got your new hip.’ I too share her appreciation and happiness, with thanks."