“Mr Appleton operated on my very large para-oesophageal hernia, which had allowed my whole stomach to move up into the thorax. Communication with both Mr Appleton and also the anaesthetist on the day, was clear, informative and reassuring. Post operative care at the Chiltern hospital was excellent, and Mr Appleton visited me twice in my very short stay. After leaving hospital I was pain free and off all analgesics within a day of being home, and had no sickness, discomfort or reflux from then on. Have progressed rapidly to close to a normal diet in just a few weeks. We often forget that the key to a successful outcome is skilled and experienced surgery, and at operation we clearly put our care in the hands of the surgeon. In Mr Appleton’s case, those hands are highly experienced, highly skilled and encompass a compassion and real concern for the patient’s outcome and quality of life. Next month I’ll be celebrating my 75th birthday at my favourite London restaurant and will be toasting the health of Mr Appleton, with grateful thanks.“