What Patients and Surgeons Say About Dr Ahmed Hassn
Trusted by Patients and Respected by Fellow Surgeons
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions a patient can make. Over the years, Dr Ahmed Hassn has earned the trust of both patients and medical professionals through his dedication to surgical excellence, compassionate care, and outstanding outcomes.
Below are testimonials from patients who have undergone treatment and from colleagues who have worked alongside Dr Hassn in the NHS and specialist surgical centres in the UK. Their experiences reflect the commitment, expertise, and patient-focused approach that define his practice.
What Fellow Surgeons Say
"Mr. Hassn is an extremely popular colleague and very well thought of by the nursing staff, junior medical team, Consultant colleagues and, most importantly, his patients. Mr. Hassn has proved a huge asset to us at Bridgend. In particular, he is an extremely gifted laparoscopic surgeon who has both excellent clinical activity and clinical results."
"In addition to his own work Mr. Hassn has regularly been sought out by his Consultant colleagues to assist in their more difficult cases."
"Mr. Hassn's practice is at the forefront of laparoscopic surgery. This has made him very popular with senior trainees, many of whom have actually sought to work on his firm to develop the laparoscopic skills. His work has attracted an Upper GI Fellow. Both Mr. Hassn and his Team have widely presented their results and have won prizes for their presentations on a number of occasions."
"In summary, Mr. Hassn is an extremely hard working and popular colleague who has excellent clinical results and would be a great asset to Vale Healthcare."
Mr A. C. Ruddle
B.M., F.R.C.S., Consultant Vascular Surgeon (10th April 2014)
"He is a highly skilled and competent surgeon. When he came to our hospital we were in fact only performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies. He established a Laparoscopic Unit in the Princess of Wales Hospital. He has performed various laparoscopic operations, including laparoscopic gastrectomy, splenectomy, fundoplication, large incisional hernias and many complex benign and malignant operations with an excellent outcome."
"He soon formed an efficient team with anaesthetists, theatre ward and IT staff members and they all have high regards for his clinical acumen and surgical skills."
"Mr Hassn carried his full share of teaching and training the middle grade doctors, including higher surgical training and I have to say that they all have high regards for his competence as a trainer."
"He is an extremely punctual, reliable and dedicated colleague and he tends to manage all his complex cases, including the complication by himself. He always gives support to the on call team when he is not on call, to manage his patients and he sees his patients during weekends himself for continuity of care."
"His departure from the Princess of Wales Hospital would be an irreparable loss and I will personally miss him for a very long time."
"It is my privilege to support his application and I have little doubt that given the appropriate opportunity, he will establish a similar Laparoscopic Centre at Ealing Hospital for his ultimate ambition and passion. He has those attributes of personality, diligence and application which would serve him well to attain consultant status anywhere in the world."
Mr J Shami FRCS
Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon (3/3/11)
"He has been extremely welcoming to me and taken a great deal of time to help orientate me to the hospital and also the role."
"Every clinic Mr Hassn has taken time to undertake some teaching around these subjects, not just with me but with junior doctors and medical students if present."
"Together Mr Hassn and I have seen many patients in clinic over this period of time, he always approaches patients with extreme courtesy and care. He not only does the standard good practice of introducing himself, giving patients the opportunity to ask questions etc, but he tailors his communication to each individual. He is particularly aware of patients with different needs or vulnerabilities and makes extra time for them in order to ensure a thorough assessment and that they have clear understanding of the situation."
"The feedback from patients in clinic is overwhelmingly positive, they frequently thank Mr Hassn himself but also often tell me about the faith and trust they have in him, but also his particularly caring manner. Mr Hassn listens to the patients concerns and their symptoms and takes time to explain the mechanisms of illness to the patients in terms they can understand so they have a greater understanding of their symptoms and how to manage them."
"Unfortunately due to the nature of the work Mr Hassn and I have had to have numerous difficult conversations with patients around their cancer diagnoses. His compassion and gentle attitude towards these patients has been really valued by them and they have overwhelmingly been grateful for his approach. He has delivered difficult news honestly and consistently."
Isabel Rix
Upper GI Clinical Nurse Specialist (3rd November 2021)
"AH is enthusiastic about enhanced recovery after surgery, particularly OG cancer surgery. He has presented at national meetings on this topic (AUGIS abstracts, BJS 2019; 106 (S7) 5-94. Enhanced recovery after oesophagectomy: a stepwise evolution of practice) and has a publication in preparation. His results and in particular his length of stay are, without doubt, outstanding."
"Although I am a very experienced upper GI surgeon I am happy to concede that since we have worked together over the last 18 months, under his influence my own practice in relation to post-op care after OG cancer surgery has changed."
"I can assure you that for every incident or episode of alleged poor behaviour/bullying mentioned in this report, AH and his CNS have at least a matching story where the conduct and…"
J. McK. Manson
Senior Surgeon Colleague
almost every interaction he has with staff and patients. I cannot explain how valued he is within the surgical department at the Princess of Wales Hospital and how his care and compassion have such an amazing impact on patients and their families."
"To be able to work with patients and their families in such difficult circumstances and to have a colleague like Mr Hassn made every aspect of the care provided a privilege to be part of."
"Who have described him as the heart of the surgical department, the go to guy. So often colleagues of Mr Hassns will approach him and ask for his clinical opinion or require his assistance in the management of patients, knowing that he will always help out where possible."
"The feedback from patients is unremarkable. Patients show the utmost of gratitude, not only for the surgery he performs but the care he provides in every way."
"There are a number of cases that Mr Hassn has been referred whereby the patients have been deemed unsalvageable, yet I have witnessed many of these patients being discharged home from hospital when Mr Hassn has taken over their care, and this is not by any way a criticism to any of the referring clinicians."
"I also judge him on the simpler things such as the recognition he has from patients. The feedback that he is given via me. I would say with ease that if I were to ask a number of patients on their experience under the care of Mr Hassn it would be outstanding."
Kellie Williams
UGI CNS
"Ahmed is genuinely one of the finest laparoscopic technical surgeons in the UK and probably worldwide. This is easy to say but in Ahmed's case is true and is backed up by one of the largest series of laparoscopic gastrectomies in the UK. His patients seem to have excellent outcomes on comparison with peers."
"More importantly in terms of reference is that Ahmed has a very wide experience in addition to his laparoscopic brilliance and is able to turn his hand to any form of emergency surgery and is comfortable operating in virtually any conceivable scenario. As surgeons working in the same department there really is no other name that we would think of calling should we run into trouble other than Ahmed's and indeed I have called for his help on a couple of occasions and have been relieved when he has proved to be available."
"He is extraordinarily hardworking and dedicated to his patients. He gets through a tremendous amount of work at high standard but despite his high workload always seems to make time to keep excellent personal records and plans for development of the Upper GI services even when his drive to improve has not always been met with the support it deserves from those providing funds!"
"He is popular with senior trainees who value his surgical tutoring and recent presentations by his trainees have won prizes on a number of occasions."
"I cannot recommend Ahmed more strongly. He would be an extremely valuable asset to Athona. I can only hope that he will not take on any work with you because that could only mean that he is planning to move from Bridgend which would be an unsufferable loss for our department."
Mr Barry Appleton MA MChir FRCS
Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon
"We the undersigned are writing to express our ongoing support for Mr. Ahmed Hassn, Consultant Upper GI and General Surgeon at the Princess of Wales Hospital."
"Mr. Hassn is dedicated to his work and always strives to achieve the best results and outcomes for his patients. He is an extremely hardworking individual who is well respected within the Trust by both colleagues and peers."
"His work ethos is second to none. Mr. Hassn has proven to be an asset to this Trust as demonstrated by the ongoing development of laparoscopic procedures which are now routinely performed at the Princess of Wales Hospital."
"We look forward to his speedy recovery and return to work in order that provision of the excellent upper GI service and clinical expertise which Mr. Hassn affords his patients can continue without the burden of non-clinical pressures."
ABM University Health Board
Letter of Support -198 Signatories
"agree what happens the service in Bridgend provided by an excellent surgeon who is meticulous in his work, who has such a wonderful manner with these patients who he mentors all the way from operation to recovery. Well done Mr Hassn for your commitment"
Anonymous
(27th June 2011)
" It’s a good plan to set up the Welsh Bariatric unit with the lead of Mr Ahmed Hassn. To me, operative outcomes as well as patient satisfaction are the most important factors in directing the service. Results are like testimony to Mr Hassn and his team.
"
Anonymous
(28th June 2011)
"I would like to inform the trust that Mr Ahmed Hassn is the best laparoscopic surgeon (an anaesthetist’s perspective)"
Viju Varadarajan
(28th June 2011)
"The knowledge and skills I have learned in laparoscopic surgery both as a trainee and now as a qualified scrub ODP from Mr Hassn and his team from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparoscopic esophagectomy will enable me to work in any laparoscopic theatre in the UK. Thanks to our best laparoscopic surgeon Mr Hassn."
Rachel Edwards
(29th June 2011)
"This is in support of Mr Ahmed Hassn leading the team in Morriston hospital, so that his superb laparoscopic skills and his vision for the future will be used.
"
Cheryl Hunt
(28th June 2011)
Patient Stories
Experiences from Patients Treated by Dr Ahmed Hassn
"On Wed.11th Nov Mr Ahmed Hassn operated and successfully removed my gall bladder, together with the rather large gall-stone embedded within the bile duct."
"I will be forever indebted to Mr Hassn for so much. What an impressive man! From the outset, he inspired confidence and gave reassurance with such ease. I consider myself to have been so very fortunate to have been placed under the care of a man of such remarkable calibre and I wish to thank him sincerely for all that he and his team have done for me."
"I would also like to place on record my genuine appreciation for the considerable ability shown by Mrs Karen Barton, the Ward Manager, who personally ensured that I was kept fully informed at all times of the ever changing time table of events prior to and subsequent to my surgery."
"Thank you all at the Princess of Wales Hospital."
Alan Davey
Mr Hassn is a 'Saint' and a 'wonderful person'. Also that Lisa Jones (Barry Appleton's secretary) 'bent over backwards' to ensure that his results got to his GP surgery today, even though she is not Mr Hassn's secretary. he is a credit to the hospital to take on someone else's work' and that he 'cannot praise her enough'.
Neil James Baker
"I was operated on by Mr Hassn on the 11th May 2018 and wish to convey my heartfelt thanks for the treatment I received throughout the process."
"The operation was to remove a tumour in the oesophagus and reposition the stomach."
"Prior to the operation Mr Hassn fully explained the procedure to myself and family, giving his time to ensure we fully understood the implications of the process."
"The operation took approximately 7½ hours and Mr Hassn ensured that my wife was informed of my progress during this time."
"Post operation I was placed in the High Dependancy Unit and Mr Hassn personally visited me every day, sometimes twice a day to check on my progress."
"I was so impressed with the care and compassion he showed me. Following the operation he even personally accompanied me on my first attempts at walking."
"Throughout the days following the operation he checked my pain levels, ensuring I had minimal discomfort and prior to my discharge fully explained what I could expect regarding my ongoing recovery. He also spoke to my family to explain what I needed to do following my discharge."
Handwritten Patient Letter
"I was diagnosed with a large stomach tumour and was seen by Mr Hassn who explained the full treatment plan and I was comforted when he explained that the operation will be performed as a keyhole surgery."
"Mr Hassn's confidence and reassurance gave me a great comfort in this difficult time for me. He also explained his postoperative protocol and advised that he does not routinely prescribe opioid analgesics. I had strong faith in Mr Hassn and understood his rationale for avoiding opioids postoperatively."
"After the operation and following recovery from anaesthesia, it was a big relief to see Mr Hassn smiling and telling me that the operation went well according to plan and encouraged me to mobilise. I was able to walk around with relative comfort without the need for analgesia other than that advised by Mr Hassn."
"Thanks a lot to Mr Hassn and his management of my case. I recovered fairly quickly and was discharged home the following day after my operation."
"I am very grateful to Mr Hassn and his team for the excellent care I had before and after my successful surgery. I highly recommend Mr Hassn for any job of trust."
Ahmed Nooh
"My journey with cancer began in January 2019, after playing a round of golf in the morning I arrived home to be told by my wife to go straight to Princess of Wales Hospital Bridgend intensive care unit after my doctor who I had a recent blood test had rung which I duly did."
"On this unit a camera inspection was carried out and I was returned to the ward following on from this the surgeon Mr Hassn and his nurse Kellie Williams visited my wife and I on the ward from the onset I was put completely at ease even though being told I had cancer, but being such a relaxed and caring atmosphere created by the two professionals my thought were only that I must fight this for my wife and family's sake."
"I continued with 9 weeks of chemo therapy and on August 8th Mr Hassn carried out a potentially life saving operation at Morriston Hospital. I was discharged on 15/8/19."
"In all my visits to doctors and hospitals I have never been so confident in the ability and bed side manner of my surgeon Mr Hassn and nurse Kellie Williams who supplied me with her mobile number and to ring anytime on any worries — what a team for the NHS."
P. E. Wooster
"I was referred to Mr. Hassn who arranged several tests which confirmed I had early signs of stomach cancer."
"I met Mr. Hassn prior to the operation to remove my stomach; he kept me well-informed of what would happen. I had my stomach removed using keyhole surgery. After surgery, I was again surprised that he visited his patients, including me, on Saturday and Sunday."
"He warned me of all symptoms to expect including a massive weight loss, lack of appetite, nausea, tiredness and an odd taste. He assured me that the stomach had come away whole and after examining me I was assured I did not have any cancer."
"I have seen Mr Hassn since and he assured me the cancer was clear. And I must thank him for his care and expertise and also the care of his Team."
"I am here today due to the work carried out by Mr. Hassn to whom I am very grateful."
"I could not fault the work or care carried out at the Princess of Wales Hospital and would willingly testify to this."
F. Mary Williams
"Hearing that word seemed to close all doors and dim all lights but the way the man before me, a Mr Hassm, explained the prognosis professionally, yet with feeling and in simple English, gave me faith and hope for a future. I later got to understand and appreciate that my future was indeed in the hands of one of the best and as a fellow patient had informed me; 'If you are under Mr Hassm then you must be special, for they say he is the best'. Throughout 2018, I began to realise how fortunate I was."
"From the very beginning, Mr Hassm explained how my Oesophageal Cancer was to be treated, along with the effects I might expect during the year. Many meetings and updates were held and whatever procedures I had to endure; his name was always mentioned at some time by the appropriate member of staff. It was as if he was on the journey with me."
"When it was appropriate for me to go home, not at any time did I feel deserted or left to flounder. If any complications occurred or was worried about anything, then I was to phone either Kellie Williams direct or Mr Hassm, via the P.O.W., at anytime of the day."
"I will always be grateful that my NHS patient particulars, fell on his desk. If it hadn't, I generally believe that life would not be so exciting. I am extremely blessed that Mr Hassm, with the help of his very efficient team, made sure I had 'Premier' treatment and support."
William Ross Alan Walker
"When my wife and I met Mr Hassn to discuss my case, prognosis and the clinical pathway for the chemo therapy and surgery we were reassured by his very full and clear explanation of the options and consequences of what he described as 'very serious surgery'."
"Mr Hassn outlined the year ahead, the sequencing of chemo therapy and surgery and how my life and eating in particular would change but the outcome and prognosis was good. He explained in some detail that the surgery would be minimal invasive followed by an accelerated recovery plan that would require active participation on my part as my hospital in patient stay would be as short as possible, counted in days not weeks as with more conventional surgery."
"He answered all our questions fully, and without hesitation shared his own patient outcome data which we found reassuring and increased our confidence of a good outcome."
"On about day three on one of his visits to ITU Mr Hassn reminded me that I should go home as soon as I could stand and walk and then made me stand and walk the length of the hospital and up and down stairs and confirmed that I was now ready to go home, which I did two days later."
"Our visits to outpatients for follow up were also, informative and reassuring and all our queries courteously deal with fully."
John Wyn Owen
"I then was told about Mr Hassn by the GI nurse at my local hospital where I was attending for post cholestectomy problems. Mr Hassn also believed in me and I felt for the 1st time that I was being taken seriously."
"I new that Mr Hassn was the right surgeon for me, you have to have complete trust as this is such a personal and an emotional thing to have done."
"The best part of my surgery is the fact that I am only on the most basic of medication and none of the blood pressure and diabetes medication that I was taking before."
"It was the best thing that I have ever done and I do not regret having it done for one second."
"Mr Hassn and his team have been fantastic and I could not have had better support. I owe them so much and cannot thank them enough for believing in me and not writing me off as just another fat person. I know that their commitment to me has made a difference to my future that I cannot put into words."
"Thank you Mr Hassn and Karen for all your support and belief."
Anonymous Bariatric Patient
"When my wife and I met Mr Hassn to discuss my case, prognosis and the clinical pathway for the chemo therapy and surgery we were reassured by his very full and clear explanation of the options and consequences of what he described as 'very serious surgery'."
"Mr Hassn outlined the year ahead, the sequencing of chemo therapy and surgery and how my life and eating in particular would change but the outcome and prognosis was good. He explained in some detail that the surgery would be minimal invasive followed by an accelerated recovery plan that would require active participation on my part as my hospital in patient stay would be as short as possible, counted in days not weeks as with more conventional surgery."
"He answered all our questions fully, and without hesitation shared his own patient outcome data which we found reassuring and increased our confidence of a good outcome."
"On about day three on one of his visits to ITU Mr Hassn reminded me that I should go home as soon as I could stand and walk and then made me stand and walk the length of the hospital and up and down stairs and confirmed that I was now ready to go home, which I did two days later."
"Our visits to outpatients for follow up were also, informative and reassuring and all our queries courteously deal with fully."
John Wyn Owen