Consultants' update: July 2025
Got feedback on this newsletter? Complete our survey >
A message from Anthony Fitzgerald, Director of Governance and Risk
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Director of Governance and Risk within Diagnostics and Secondary Care London, having joined the Executive team in June 2025.
My nursing career spans nearly 30 years, with experience in acute complex hospitals across the independent sector in the UK, Germany, and Australia. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in central London with a range of independent providers, and for the last eight years, I’ve held senior leadership roles as Chief Nurse/Director of Clinical Services at HCA Healthcare UK (The Princess Grace Hospital), Nuffield Health (St Bartholomew’s Hospital), and Schoen Clinic London (now Fortius Clinic London). In each of these roles, I’ve had direct accountability for governance and risk management, which remains a key focus in my new position.
The Governance team at Cromwell has undergone significant change in recent months, and I’m excited to lead the next phase – building a stronger, more stable team that proactively supports our consultants, nurses, and clinicians in delivering world-class care to help our patients live healthier, happier, longer lives.
I look forward to meeting and working with many of you in the months ahead.
Anthony Fitzgerald, Director of Governance and Risk
Cromwell Hospital
The latest news and updates from our Kensington hospital.
Leadership updates in Consultant team
We were delighted to recently welcome back Priscilla Mahendran to her role as Head of Consultant Engagement, following her secondment. Priscilla brings a wealth of experience and renewed perspective to the role, and we’re excited to have her back supporting our consultant community.
We’re also pleased to share that Rachel Williams has taken on a new position as Head of Consultant Strategy. In this role, Rachel will focus on consultant recruitment, strategic growth, and strengthening partnerships across Cromwell and our wider network.
A message from Priscilla Mahendran, Head of Consultant Engagement
It was such a pleasure to see so many of you at our Consultant Summer Party this past month – I hope you enjoyed the evening, reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections.
I’m also pleased to share that I’ve now returned to my substantive role as Head of Consultant Engagement, following a year-long secondment as Head of Transformation – Development.
During my time with the Transformation team, I had the opportunity to lead several strategic initiatives and collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to help shape the future of our services. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to bring this broader perspective back into the consultant engagement space.
As always, my focus remains on ensuring that you feel supported, heard, and empowered to deliver outstanding care at Cromwell Hospital. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with many of you, continuing our work together, and exploring new opportunities to strengthen our partnerships.
If there’s anything you’d like to discuss – whether it’s about your practice, feedback, or ideas for improvement – I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me at [email protected].
And for those taking a well-earned summer break, I hope it’s restful and I look forward to welcoming you back soon.
A message from Rachel Williams, Head of Consultant Strategy
Since joining Cromwell in October 2024 as Head of Consultant Engagement, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our consultants and gaining deeper insight into the incredible work you do every day.
I’m now excited to step into a new role as Head of Consultant Strategy, where my focus will shift toward consultant recruitment and supporting strategic growth across Cromwell and our partner sites.
This includes attracting world-class consultants and strengthening our referral networks, as well as driving forward new developments and opportunities such as Lexham Gardens, our expanding cardiac services, Canary Wharf, and New Victoria Hospital.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with many of you in this new capacity and to building on the strong foundations we’ve established together.
If you’d like to connect about opportunities, ideas, or collaborations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected].
Consultant Summer Party
On Wednesday 2 July, we were delighted to welcome consultants to our annual Consultant Summer Party, held at the prestigious 116 Pall Mall.
The evening featured speeches from Philip Luce, Dr Sarah Frankton, and Dr Brian O'Connor that highlighted the exciting developments at Cromwell Hospital and across our wider network. Dr O’Connor introduced the new Chest and Lung Group formed at the hospital, which includes himself; Dr James Wilson, Medical Oncologist; Mr Marco Scarci, Thoracic Surgeon; Mr Simon Jordan, Thoracic Surgeon; and Dr Reza Abdullah, Respiratory Physician. Also mentioned was the revolutionary Apheresis treatment now available at Cromwell Hospital – if you would like to learn more, please visit our dedicated webpage.
The event offered a fantastic opportunity for consultants to connect with colleagues, as well as members of our Executive Team and Senior Management, in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. We were also pleased to be joined by Laurian Grace, Head of Clinician Engagement and Proposition at Bupa UK Insurance, who was available to answer questions and engage with our consultant community.
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended – we look forward to welcoming you again at future events.
Please keep an eye out for upcoming details about our Christmas Party 2025!
Two new Angio labs opening
We’re pleased to announce that August will mark the opening of our brand-new Angio lab, equipped with the Philips Azurion Bi-Plane system – a state-of-the-art platform designed to enhance imaging precision and procedural efficiency.
Following closely in September, we’ll be launching a second Angio lab, featuring the Philips Azurion 7 Single-Plane system, further expanding our capacity and capabilities in cardiovascular care.
If you are a cardiologist currently using the Angio lab and would like to discuss scheduling requirements for the second lab, please reach out to Rachel Williams, Head of Consultant Strategy, at [email protected].
New weekly service: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
We would like to draw your attention to our endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) service for lung cancer investigations. This service is delivered on a weekly basis by Dr Reza Abdullah, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine.
This advanced diagnostic service is ideal for patients presenting with suspected lung cancer or lung abnormalities. EBUS not only helps confirm the presence of cancer but also provides valuable information about tumour size and potential metastasis. Where appropriate, biopsies can be taken during the procedure to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Patient referrals should be directed to Dr Reza Abdullah. For further information, please contact [email protected].
Preassessment and daytime emergency anaesthetic cover
We are pleased to announce that the advert for Consultant Anaesthetists to support our pre-assessment service and provide anaesthetic emergency cover from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, will be posted imminently.
This marks an important and long-anticipated step in enhancing patient safety and improving the experience for both patients and consultants. These new roles will complement the excellent work already being led by Jig Descallar, Modern Matron for Surgery, and Steve Bellingham, Chief Nursing Officer.
If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Dr Sarah Frankton, Chief Medical Officer, at [email protected].
Oncology talks for staff
This year, our oncologists have been delivering a series of insightful talks to staff, sharing their knowledge and expertise across a range of oncology topics. These sessions have been well-received, with staff describing them as enjoyable, informative, and highly valuable.
We’re thrilled to see such positive engagement and look forward to the upcoming sessions.
If you’re interested in delivering a talk or would like more information about the programme, please contact Risalina Nitro, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology at [email protected].
Reminder: Anaesthetist responsibility
Please be advised that Cromwell Hospital is currently unable to provide anaesthetic cover for surgical lists. As such, the responsibility for sourcing anaesthetists lies with consultants and their practice managers.
If you are experiencing difficulties in securing anaesthetic support, we can assist you through the Alloc8tor app.
For further information or support, please contact the Reservations Team at [email protected].
Reminder: Help shape our brand narrative
The Cromwell Hospital brand narrative plays a key role in bringing to life our story for our people, patients, and the wider world. Following recent review, we are looking to refresh and refine this narrative to better reflect our ever-evolving hospital – but we need your support in ensuring it truly captures who we are and what we stand for.
To fill out our survey, please visit the link below.
Consultant compliments
We are delighted to share the following reviews, which were collected via our patient experience platform, Medallia.
Dr Kushan Karunaratne, Consultant Neurologist
“Dr Kushan Karunaratne is probably the most impressive doctor I have ever met. Unbelievable care.”
“I saw Dr Kushan recently for a potential nerve issue and had a lovely engagement with him. He was very encouraging and examined me meticulously. Dr Kushan explained to me the potential causes and the reasons for the issue, however suggested relying on the test results for the final reassurance, which made total sense and is my preferred approach. He made me feel very comfortable and was empathetic.”
Mr Fateh Raslan, Consultant Gynaecologist
“Dr Fateh Raslan was very kind and made me feel at ease throughout the whole consultation. He explained all the details and offered options for treatment. I am extremely pleased with the experience.”
“I thought Dr Raslan was fantastic. It’s often difficult to find a gynaecologist who listens to you, and provides proper options to help address your concerns, while also validating how you feel. Dr Raslan did just that – he validated my feelings, listened to my symptoms, explained everything very clearly, and provided me more options than I’ve ever been offered before.”
Dr Devinder Bansi, Consultant Gastroenterologist
“I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy with sedation at Cromwell Hospital and couldn’t be more pleased with the care I received. Dr Bansi was calm, kind, and professional – he made me feel completely at ease. The whole team was fantastic, from the moment I walked in to recovery. Everything was clearly explained, and I felt safe and looked after throughout. Thank you to Dr Bansi and the amazing staff.”
“Dr Bansi is a very experienced gastroenterologist, and I have been a patient of his for many years. I always feel safe and comfortable with his consultations.”
Mr Fady Sedra, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
“Mr Fady Sedra understood all my pains and worry, explained clearly all the possible management. Excellent communication skills and quite experiences. He requested further investigation necessary. His PA Walid contacted me without delay and arranged the MRI and the SPECT investigation for me.”
“The orthopaedic consultant surgeon, Mr Sedra, was very clear in his explanation of the potential surgical procedure under discussion and its ability to resolve my issue in a sustainable manner. Not only was he very clear, he gave me absolute confidence in his ability to conduct the surgery to a successful conclusion. He also has a calm, approachable manner and is a good listener. I’m impressed by the overall professionalism and high calibre of medical and personable care of my consultant at Cromwell Hospital.”
Mr Srdjan Saso, Consultant Gynaecologist
“I have had surgery done by Dr Saso. It's obvious he loves what he does because he is very good at it! I really appreciate Dr Saso’s help. I can't thank enough for the special, excellent care he has provided and for the unique gift he is to his patients. I am blessed that I had my procedure done by Dr Saso. His whole team was amazingly polite, very helpful, and empathetic towards patients in their painful time.”
Dr Ziad Farah, Consultant Rheumatologist
“I have had decades of questions piling up re: troublesome osteoarthritis and Mr Farah was hugely informative and helpful. He was able to answer with a myriad of possibilities and assist with imaginative alternatives to the prognosis of a difficult body.”
Mr Taimur Shah, Consultant Urologist
“I had a very positive experience with Mr Taimur Shah. They were professional, friendly, and incredibly informative throughout the consultation. They took the time to clearly explain my condition in a way that was easy to understand and presented me with a range of options, allowing me to make an informed decision about my care. I felt listened to and supported, and I really appreciated their thoughtful approach. Overall, I was very happy with the service and would highly recommend them to others.”
Dr Khalid Ahmed, Consultant Endocrinologist
“Dr Ahmed is one of the kindest and most respectful consultants I’ve encountered. He took the time to listen without rushing, explored possible ways forward with me, and treated me as a professional in my own right, acknowledging my background in healthcare. I really appreciated that he was both thorough and collaborative – he seemed genuinely interested in helping and made space for shared decision-making. A reassuring and supportive experience overall.”
Dr Catherine Ellis, General Practitioner
“My GP is Dr Catherine Ellis. She is wonderfully knowledgeable and kind. I liked her so much that I referred my husband and son to her. We are fairly new to London and having such a knowledgeable GP is such a comfort.”
Professor Annette Fritscher-Ravens, Consultant Gastroenterologist
“Many thanks to Professor Annette Fritscher-Ravens for the highly professional consultation and her individual and kind approach. I would love to see her again in case I have any gastro issues.”
Mr Jonathan Ward, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
“I saw Mr Jonathan Ward yesterday... very professional and friendly. Able to explain clearly what the problem was and the treatment plan. Would highly recommend Mr Ward.”
Professor Adrian Wilson and Dr Kristian Kley, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons
“The meeting with Prof Wilson and Dr Kley was unrushed and personal, they are a great team with an excellent way of clinically evaluating my hip and knee issue and then passing over the information that I needed.”
Professor Shaun Preston, Consultant General Surgeon
“Prof Shaun Preston exhibited exceptional qualities in handling me as his patient; professional competence, compassion, and passion to see me get well.”
Mr Amer Raza, Consultant Gynaecologist
“The gynaecologist, Dr Amer Raza, was extremely welcoming and made me feel at ease. He exhibited knowledge of the situation and was able to give me insight through drawings and explanations of the reproductive organs and how they work. He was also patient to answer all the questions that I had.”
Mr Arjuna Imbuldeniya, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Clinical interests: Keyhole knee surgery, knee ligament injuries, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and revision hip replacement
- NHS base: Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Imbuldeniya specialises in treating hip and knee problems, finding the quickest and safest solution with his team. He is an expert in keyhole knee surgery, knee ligament injuries, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and 're-do' or revision hip replacement.
Mr Arvind Mohan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Clinical interests: Shoulder replacement, elbow arthritis, tennis elbow, shoulder instability, joint replacement for the hand, and sports injuries
- NHS base: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Mr Mohan is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in trauma and orthopaedic surgery with a special interest in upper limb surgery. He provides specialist operative and non-operative treatments (joint injections) of various conditions of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hands.
Mr Davide Patrini, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon
- Clinical interests: Thoracic surgical oncology, pleural diseases, and benign lung conditions
- NHS base: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Patrini is Clinical Lead of the Thoracic Department at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). His primary interests lie in thoracic surgical oncology, pleural diseases, and benign lung conditions, with expertise in both conventional and minimally invasive surgical approaches.
Dr Saud Khawaja, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
- Clinical interests: Interventional cardiology, coronary artery interventions, and structural heart disease management
- NHS base: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Dr Khawaja is an experienced interventional cardiologist who holds dual Certificates of Completion of Training (CCT) in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine. He specialises in advanced interventional procedures, including coronary artery interventions and structural heart disease management.
London Medical
What's new at our outpatient and diabetes specialist centre located in Marylebone.
Dr Brian O’Connor, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical interests: Airwaves diseases, asthma, smoking-related lung disease, lung cancer, and lung infections
With expertise in all aspects of respiratory medicine, Dr O'Connor takes a special interest in the treatment and management of airwaves diseases, asthma, smoking-related lung disease, lung cancer, lung infections, and much more.
Mr Nicholas Dixon, Consultant Gynaecologist
- Clinical interests: Cancer diagnostics, ultrasound, laparoscopic surgery, and hysteroscopic surgery
- NHS base: Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Dixon's areas of expertise include ultrasound scanning, cancer diagnostics (including office hysteroscopy), laparoscopic surgery (including ovarian cystectomy, hysterectomy, excision endometriosis, adehsiolysis, and myomectomy), and hysteroscopic surgery.
Basinghall Clinic
The latest updates from our outpatient diagnostic centre in the heart of the City.
Reminder: No walk-in blood service
Please be advised that Basinghall Clinic is unable to accommodate walk-in blood appointments, as we do not operate a dedicated phlebotomy clinic. This is because our practice nurses are supporting other services, therefore all blood appointments are scheduled at specific times to align with these clinics.
Patients requiring a walk-in blood appointment should be advised to attend Cromwell Hospital instead.
Mr Walter Cazzaniga, Consultant Urological Surgeon
- Clinical interests: Urologic oncology, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and retroperitoneal tumours
- NHS base: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Walter Cazzaniga is a consultant urological surgeon specialising in urologic oncology, with particular emphasis on the management of kidney and testicular cancer as well as surgery for adrenal and retroperitoneal tumours.
We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter. For queries, please contact [email protected].