from Daithí O'G
December 09, 2023
We had the misfortune of Dad being referred to the care of plastic surgeon Catriona Lawlor at St. Vincent's Private for stage 2a Skin Melanoma. She was medically negligent to my father in that she didn't carry out any regular post care checks after the primary treatment. I asked her why and she came up with lies regarding covid, despite the National Screening Service telling me that there were no restrictions on cancer checks at the times she claims she didn't check my father for his own safety. She is a liar.
My father again had the misfortune of coming under Prof. John Crown (or Professor Clown as we came to know him due his ridiculous and aggressive outbursts) once cancer progressed. He delayed my father's cancer treatment by 2 months because he wanted to conduct tests to identify the correct type of immunotherapy, despite these results already being available from 18 months prior. He put my father under 3 unnecessary and risky biopsies, one of which was a liver wedge section performed by a liver transplant surgeon. There were also 4 MRIs indicating stroke in this time, we're told most likely due to the spread of cancer. It took 4 MRIs and 7 weeks from 1st MRI in the care of St. Vincent's Private before my father was referred to a neurologist for tests and appropriate medication.
At one point my father's nutritional supplements were withdrawn without discussion with my father, nor us. He was put into a private room and Professor Clown told me to expect the worst within the next two weeks. I immediately requested nutritional intervention and this was given. My father survived for over a year after that. Prof. Clown then tried to discharge my heavily dependent father onto my mother to which I refused to do without additional help outside of basic HSE home package. Prof. Clown's only option then was to leave the medical team, for which, he called my mother and sister into a meeting and accused them of being abusive because at that meeting they queried his treatment of my father and why no regular checks were done on my father. Prof. Clown claimed no checks were needed earlier but then said he never stated such at this meeting. He went on to send an email from the ward email address claiming we were abusive and threatening.
For original treatment under Catriona Lawlor my parents were sent incorrect bills for which the finance department said they would fix. They never corrected their mistakes and a bill for €30 was sent to the debt collector for arrears. After my father left St. Vincent's Private there was a shortfall of €13,000 because VHI didn't cover the private room for my father in which he was placed to die prematurely. To this day no bill has been sent despite my queries to Paula Ryan and Dr. David Fennelly (took over from Prof. Clown, another member of the circus). We all know that this is due to their medical negligence.
Be extremely careful if your loved one is under the care of this hospital. Private healthcare is completely unregulated in Ireland. Should any doctor in this hospital mess up you are on your own. The doctors are contractors and legally independent of the hospital itself. The hospital will not investigate and neither will the Ombudsman, HSE, Dept. of Health, etc.
VHI covered 6 months of care in a private hospital for my father. I appealed to the management for extended care and treatment due their medical negligence. This was refused and Dr. David Fennelly put pressure on my father to choose the hospice for further care. I had to email Fennelly to take pressure off my father and give him space to decide. He was cut from the same ilk as Prof. Clown. My father survived 9 months in the hospice without any follow up with scans or care of an oncologist nor neurologist despite our requests to Dr. Fennelly for a plan of care to be ongoing.
This hospital is unsafe and completely disorganised. Should any of the above be untrue I look forward to their legal letter for defamation but I know that won't happen because my defence would be the truth which they know themselves.
from Isha Choudhary
August 21, 2023
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and expertise provided by Dr. Anthony Stafford during a critical period in my life. Dr. Stafford's remarkable skills as a surgeon not only saved my life, but also transformed a terrifying situation into a remarkable journey of healing and recovery.
Facing a life-altering medical issue was undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences I've ever encountered. However, Dr. Stafford's accurate diagnosis and prompt action gave me the hope and strength to overcome the ordeal. He demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and dedication, reminiscent of a guardian angel who emerged in my life precisely when I needed him the most.
What truly sets Dr. Stafford apart is his unwavering commitment to not only address the medical concern at hand, but also considering the broader implications for my overall well-being. His expertise ensured that the surgical intervention was tailored to minimize impact on my body, allowing me to embark on a path towards a healthy life. As a woman, the significance of his approach in prioritizing my health and recovery cannot be overstated.
In essence, Dr. Stafford's impact extends far beyond the realm of medical expertise. He restored my health, instilled hope, and empowered me to embrace life with renewed vigor. Every step of the way, he exuded compassion and professionalism, creating an environment where I felt both cared for and confident in the journey ahead.
I owe my gratitude and a debt of profound appreciation to Dr. Anthony Stafford for being the beacon of light that guided me through the darkness. His contributions to my well-being have left an indelible mark on my life, and I am forever thankful for his presence during my time of need.
Regards,
Isha
from John Geraghty
July 01, 2023
My sincere appreciation for the diagnosis, and treatment. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and living my life.
The feeling of gratitude is so difficult for me to put into words.
I’d just like to let all those working here know what a good job they’ve done. You’re a great team, thank you.
John
