Testimonials
"wherever you are"
Thursday 29th December 2011
Thanks for the "human touch"
I just wanted to write and thank you for your support over the last few months, whilst I was undergoing investigation for heart disease It was a traumatic time, especially my travelling to Harley Street,which as you know my flight was impacted by severe fog at London City Airport, which meant not only was my flight 2 hours late but was then redirected to Gatwick. This meant that despite significant additional time left for my angiogram, I was in fact 3 hours late for my
appointment. However this situation was made much easier by your regular communication and reassurance that regardless the time of my arrival I would be seen, which given the distance I had travelled and the journey I had had not to mention the nervousness about the procedure and outcome, was very welome and put me at ease.
I was fortunate to have a positive outcome to the procedure, but due to my late arrival I unexpectedly needed to stay overnight. You sanctioned this with my insurance company and sorted out any subsequent queries regarding charges.
Additionally when I suffered some swelling to my wrist afterward, following a fall, you were quick to offer me an early appointment to review, have an x-ray carried out and put my mind at rest.
Your treatment was first class, in terms of medical, aftercare and the human touch. I truly believe you see your patients as individuals with specific needs and circumstances. Thank you so much for your care.
Mrs. Jules Colins " Glasgow
Thursday 17th November 2011
A problem solved
A wee tale.... After (gratefully) spending 40 (ish) years with almost NO medical history whatsoever, out of the blue in the space of ONE day I developed palpitations, periods of black outs, dizziness and other various strange and alarming symptoms. I was forced to take sickness leave despite having NO sickness record ever,with any of my employers. I had a long wait ahead of me on the NHS so decided to book an appointment at Dr Forbats Glasgow Clinic. On my initial visit despite being more than a bit anxious,I was instantly made to feel at ease by Dr Forbat. He took time to listen and left absolutely NO stone unturned throughout my subsequent visits. His manner was professional, friendly and compassionate. My problem wasn't heart related, but through HIS expertise and knowledge, he referred me to a neurologist who was able to identify that the problems I was having were due to a tumble and subsequent head/neck/back I had a few Months ago. My symptoms are slowly diminishing and I'm getting stronger each day, I just have to employ patience now. In essence its due to Dr Forbat that I got an answer to what was wrong with me,which went a LONG way to putting my mind at rest! Should I EVER need a cardiologist (or even just general health advice) again in this lifetime I would go nowhere else other than to his Clinic. Thank you very, very much
Clare (I've been run over by my dog) Jones, Glasgow
Saturday29th October 2011
Doc@Home and Private Cardiology Services
Dear Dr. Forbat,
I want to write to you to say "THANK YOU" so much for looking after me and trying so hard to find out what is wrong with me. I have seen a lot of Doctors over the years but you are an exceptional person as you have the patience to see it through and a lot of Doctors just pass you from one to another. You are so good in what you do and if I ever find my self ill again you are the one I want to see. When I was so bad I could not work my life was turned upside down and I was lucky to find you.
The best thing is the "Hub" having a specialist at the end of the line was so comforting that when I gave it back I felt alone and worried again.
I have just received your report, so take care and thank you again.
Yours faithfully,
Alexandra Anastasiou, London
Friday 24th June 2011
Atrial fibrillation TOE and DC cardioversion
I thought it may be beneficial for others if I provide a brief summary of my experiences of both AF and of Dr Forbat himself. I discovered that I had AF purely by chance (my daughter who is a doctor discovered this during a routine pulse check). Following a GP visit, during confirmed that my daughter's diagnosis was correct, I was referred to Dr Lance Forbat in November 2010. Lance immediately put me at ease, explaining AF and the risks associated with it. AF, as I understand it, is where the heart beats irregularly and although this in itself is unlikely to be life-threatening, it can lead to an increased risk of a stroke for sufferers with additional risk factors. This is because blood is allowed to pool in the heart, which ultimately forms clots.
One means of treating AF is to undergo electrical cardioversion, a medical procedure to revert the heart back to normal heart rhythm, and this was the course of action which I was advised to take. Lance explained to me that there is an increased risk of stroke immediately following cardioversion, due to any dormant blood clots being released as a direct consequence of the heart returning to normal rhythm. In order to reduce this risk to an acceptable level, I was put immediately onto Warfarin, an anti-coagulant drug which thins the blood and reduces the risk of blood clots forming, and thus of a stroke. I had read a little about Warfarin (essentially rat poison) and was a little hesitant about this course of action. Nevertheless, after 8 months now on the drug I have suffered no side effects whatsoever, although it does impose a constraint on you in terms of not being able to drink alchohol, along with the need for frequent blood tests in order to monitor blood levels and thus Warfarin levels. Inconvenient, but not a real problem compared with the risk of a stroke.
In February 2011 I was scheduled to have my cardioversion. The thought of your heart being shocked electrically back in to normal rhythm can be rather daunting, even more so when Lance told me that in order to reduce the risk of clotting to an absolute minimum he would be putting a tube down me throat in order to check that no blood clots were present and that I would need to remain awake for this procedure. Despite this, I can honestly say that the procedure really isn't worth worrying about at all. I was heavily sedated and didn't feel any discomfort at all. Immediately after the tube was inserted, I was put to sleep and knew nothing whatsoever about the procedure until I was woken in the recovery room. The entire process from leaving the ward to returning was less than a couple of hours, with the procedure itself lasting no more than 15-20 minutes. Throughout the entire procedure, Lance kept me informed and was very reassuring. Later that day I was released and allowed to go home.
Being a keen runner, I actually ran 8 miles the very next day and have continued to run almost every day thereafter. Four months later my heart is still beating in normal rhythm and despite being on Warfarin and beta blockers, I am gradually returning to a level of fitness which will hopefully enable me to return to competitive athletics in time for my 50th birthday in a couple of months time.
I can thoroughly recommend Lance. He is approachable (I have contacted him several times by email with questions, and have always received a prompt reply), explains things well, and clearly has a very deep understanding of his specialist area. He is always pleasant to deal with and treats you as an individual, unlike many other specialists. I am of course very grateful to Lance for his knowledge and expertise, which have enabled me to return to full health within a relatively short period of time and would have no hesitation in recommending him to others with a similar heart condition.
Phil Westlake CEng CITP MBCS FIAP MIET MAPM, Bristol
Monday 16 May 2011
Cardioversion aftercare
I thought it might be of interest to update my experience following the successful Cardioversion procedure to correct Atrial Fibrillation which Dr Forbat carried out in May 2008*. I have continued to see him at six monthly intervals to monitor my condition.
At these consultations I have had ECG and blood pressure checks and my medication has been reviewed. The drugs prescribed by Dr Forbat are effective and appear to be having no adverse effect and so no change has been necessary. I cycle and walk regularly without any feeling of heaviness in my legs or abnormal breathlessness when I exert myself. However I do find it extremely difficult to lose excess weight.
Following my visit to Dr Forbat in October 2010, he arranged for a recorder to be attached to my chest for 24 hours to check my heart functions. I had an appointment with him three weeks later for the results of the test and was very pleased to hear that there was no indication of any abnormality and that all was well. He suggested that I attend his clinic annually or alternatively contact him only in the event of any problem.
Despite my continuing good health I’ve decided to attend his clinic annually and plan to make an appointment to consult him in October 2011. I have great confidence in Dr Forbat and it has been a valuable reassurance for me to be monitored so closely by him over the last three years.
Catherine E Bowe, ARDRISHAIG, Argyll
(*see previous testimonial in 2008 below)
Sunday 6 February 2011
I found Dr Forbat very attentive, knowledgable and informative.The changes he made to my previous NHS treatment were life changing and appears to be suppressing my Atrial Fibrillation. I would highly recommend Dr Forbat to anyone seeking a consultation for heart related problems.
John Tawse 06/02/2011, Glasgow
Monday 20 December 2010
Lance Forbat Private Cardiology Service and Former Director, owner and Consultant Cardiologist at IHS (Medical) Ltd
Dr Forbat has worked with DRC Locums for some time now, mostly at Ealing Hospital in Southall, as a Locum Consultant Cardiologist. Over the years Dr Forbat has always represented himself and the company with the utmost integrity. I have to thank him for the excellent service he has carried out, it has reflected extremely well on us as an agency and makes him an absolute pleasure to work with. Feedback from hospitals is always positive and his referees could not recommend him anymore strongly. Putting business aside, Dr Forbat has also been on hand to offer his advice and expertise in personal times of need for either myself or colleagues. For this reason I see him not only as a locum working on behalf of DRC but as a friend to the organisation. Lance is quite clearly an asset to any department he works within and a consummate professional. I hope we continue to work together for many more years.
Friday 5 November 2010
Private Cardiology Service and Former Director, owner and Consultant Cardiologist
IHS (Medical) Ltd
“I see Lance every 2 years and go anywhere in the country to see him. He solved my palpitations, heart and blood pressure problems and has consistently given me honest, straight forward advice. I initially saw him under PPP but now pay myself - and he's worth every penny of it! As well as being a superb expert in his field, he's also a thoroughly nice guy to deal with.”
November 5, 2010
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Bill Walker,
hired Lance as a Doctor in 2001, and hired Lance more than once
Director Walker Associates (Keswick) specialising in consultancy skills development,and project management/evaluation,
Carlisle, United Kingdom Management Consulting
Friday, 20 August 2010
Lance Forbat arrived at West Cumberland Hospital WhitehavenApril 1995. The Introduction of Cardiology at West Cumberland is indebted to Lance Forbat for highlighting to the Trust the serious shortfall in appropriate Cardiological Services. He commenced to build a team around him second to none, and from a position of underinvestment the Coronary unit under his care developed into a cohesive department. He was the first Interventionally trained Cardiologist, his appointment enabled the West Cumbrian patients to have their Angiograms and Pacing Implants carried out by Dr Forbat at their local Hospital thus saving the patient a round trip of hundreds of miles. Previous to Dr Forbat’s appointment, a visiting Cardiologist had seen TEN (10) patients per Month. Dr Forbat increased this to 144 per Month plus being contracted to undertake 240 Angiograms and 40 New pacemaker implants. After his departure is there any wonder why he is still revered by the Heart patient and public of West Cumbria.
Ronnie Copeland
Founder / Chairman
Of West Cumbria Heart & Angina Support Group
Charity No 1023252.
This Charity having raised over £400,000 since 1993.
Tuesday,13 October 2009
Based on personal experience over an extended period, I can highly recommend Dr. Lance Forbat in his specialist areas of cardiovascular consultation and treatment.
Some specific reasons behind my recommendation are asfollows:
· Persistence and determination in the search for cause
· Detailed, illustrative and candid explanations provided to the patient at all times
· Attentionto minutiae
· Skilful presentation to insurers, leading to maintenance of continued funding
· Very rapid response to enquiries, by phone, text or e-mail
· Effective liaison with other consultants, as well as with the GP
· Personal involvement in and familiarity with cutting-edge research in his field
· A friendly, approachable manner, helping to put any patient at ease.
In conclusion, Dr. Forbat makes one feel like a real person rather than a collection of symptoms and, even on that score alone, deserves high praise and recommendation.
Frances Ross-Watt, Dunblane October 2009
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
"Derek Parker: Doc@Home - 2009"
Having undergone aortic heart valve replacement surgery, my partner –Derek- was experiencing a protracted recovery for several reasons. He spent a three week stay at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, and was under the care of Dr. Lance Forbat. During this very difficult time, Dr. Forbat was very attentive indeed and actually placed much emphasis on arranging to visit Derek when I could also be present. This was very much appreciated, and actually served as to offer both of us much reassurance, and accurate first hand information surrounding Derek’s progress.
Having declared Derek clinically well, Dr. Forbat considered that his recovery would be further facilitated by returning home to familiar surroundings, in other words the psychological aspect of his recovery would benefit.
In order that the clinical aspect of Derek’s progress could continue to be monitored, Dr. Forbat introduced us to ‘doc@home’. The latter may be described as a small hand held hub, into which data may be entered, transmitted via the telephone line, and ultimately translated by the doctor. Each day, it was necessary to monitor Derek’s blood pressure, saturated oxygen, heart rate and weight. It was also possible to perform an ECG using this hub, simply by maintaining skin contact with sensors on the touch points. In addition, questions were also prompted with simple options to provide the answers. This may sound like a fairly laborious process, but it was actually possible to complete tasks and questions within perhaps seven or eight minutes in total, even if the respondent did not feel like being particularly compliant.
Data collated was then simply sent down the line, to be received by Dr. Forbat who communicated either by sending a message to the hub, or by discussing more in depth issues by e-mail or telephone. Having attended subsequent consultations, this data was also presented graphically and in tabular form in order to demonstrate the culmination of this data and how it served as to indicate possible contraindications pertaining to Derek’s wellbeing. For example, the ‘traffic light’ system of alerts was explained by demonstrating that if Derek’s weight was to suddenly increase, then an alert (Red or amber) might be received. If all was well, then this would be indicated as may be anticipated by the colour green. It was explained that a sudden increase in weight of perhaps one kilogram may actually indicate a gain of one litre of fluid. The appropriate course of action would then be initiated. It was also stressed that the parameters for the levels of alerts were actually set by Dr. Forbat, and so would serve as early indicators for possible undesirable consequences.
Having the doc@home hub early in Derek’s recovery really did provide us both with the comfort that his condition was being managed and closely monitored on a daily basis. The technology was strongly supported by Dr. Forbat’s intervention, and this provided us with confidence that he was still looking after Derek, even if he happened to be hundreds of miles away.
For us, it meant that life was able to return to something like ‘normal’, without Derek having to endure an even longer stay in hospital. This was vital to Derek’s recovery.
Finally, we would both like to express our gratitude for the ongoing level of care and commitment displayed by Dr. Forbat, and will look forward to future consultations.
Kindest regards,
Derek Parker and Kimberley Cassidy, Glasgow
11th March 2009
When our 91 year old Mother's condition became unstable we were unable to get a second opinion through our G.P., without having to attend an assessment and echocardiogram at the district general hospital. It was January, very cold and she was very frail spending most of her time in bed. As nurses we found this unacceptable and requested a private domiciliary visit through our G.P. to a Cardiologist or a Physician who specialised in Care of The Elderly, but again we were told this was not possible.
We now found that we were up against a brick wall and felt that a visit to hospital could exacerbate her already deteriorating condition and put her at risk of hospital aquired infections.
After investigating we were told the tests our Mother required could be done at home, but were not available under the N.H.S. due to Health and Safety reasons.
Following phone calls to the private sector we came across the name of Dr Lance Forbat and within 48 hours Dr Forbat had visited, carried out a full medical review, all the tests that our Mother required and left us with a Doc@Home System.
All our anxiety levels were reduced and we felt we had some control in the management of her condition, with daily contact from an expert. Our Mother was able to stay in the comfort of her own home, retaining her self esteem and dignity.
Dr. Forbat was very approachable, treating her with respect and ensuring that she received the best possible care irrespective of her age.
Shirley Nichols, Linda Bywater, Ann Evans. Almondsbury, Bristol
December 2008
Asa former member of the Argyll and Clyde Health Board and Hospital Chaplain I came into contact with Dr Lance Forbat and regularly saw his patients on a twice weekly basis. I was always impressed by the sense of gratitude they would articulate about his professionalism and dedication.
Dr. Forbat introduced new services such as the first ‘Stress Echo’ service in the area and he and his team at the Cardiac Unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital were instrumental in saving many lives. I admired his dedication to the hospital and to the patients. His office was next to CCU and he was regularly found late in the evenings in the Vale hospital seeing patients and advising on CCU patients.
Manyof his former patients continue to speak of him with the highest of regard and like me bemoan his loss to our community as the local cardiac service looks almost certain to be lost to a process of centralization. The high level of professional expertise he offered to our community has earned him the gratitude of countless patients and the respect of local primary care physicians.
Ian Miller (Hospital Chaplain), Alexndria
7th October 2008
I have a heart condition and after a spell of breathlessness, I had an appointment with Dr Forbat, Consultant...
Itwas then decided to give me a Doc @ Home Hub. I had this for approximately two months, and found it most successful. At, first it seemed as if this may be difficult to use, but was in fact very easy to use.
My location being a long way from my Consultant, Dr Forbat, I was able with my Doc @ Home Hub to send a daily update of my blood pressure, an E.C.G., oxygen reading, also give details of weight and answering various questions daily. This gave Dr Forbat up-to-date information of my daily health therefore able to adjust my medication accordingly.
I am pleased to say I have continued in good health.
Douglas Campbell, Lochgoilhead, Argyll.
(Comment: The accumulated data was presented in graphical form and shared with Mr and Mrs Campbell at clinics and this helped them learn how to better manage his condition)
* October 2008
“I hope the following story of my experience of cardioversion may be of help and reassurance to anyone who is about to undergo the same procedure.
My GP diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation when I attended his surgery with a rapid and irregular pulse rate at the end of 2007..
I was referred to Dr Forbat who suggested that cardioversion might be effective in my case and prescribed a regime of tablets, including Warfarin. He explained that an anti-coagulant was required to prevent the formation of blood clots. I’m pleased to say I’ve had no unpleasant effects from taking any of the drugs...
Ihad imagined that when my heart was once again in rhythm I’d miraculously return to normal immediately! This was not so and Dr Forbat later explained that following cardioversion it takes a few days for the heart and the body to adjust.
…The following day I went for a short walk and found to my dismay that I was quite breathless after a very slight incline. The following couple of days I carried out my normal housework but felt my legs quite heavy and I still felt breathless when climbing the stairs. Disappointment reigned!
On the evening of the fifth day I realised that the heaviness in the legs and breathlessness had lessened and I didn’t feel quite so tired. Thereafter as each day passed for several weeks there was a noticeable difference in my stamina and the light-headedness had gone. I had stopped puffing and blowing when I climbed the stairs!
It’snow almost 5 months since I had my cardioversion and I continue to cycle and walk regularly and more vigorously than I have for quite some time. I’m enjoying my feeling of fitness and long may this continue.
I have great confidence in Dr Forbat’s expertise and competence and find his readiness to explain and discuss my case helpful and reassuring. I’m very grateful to him for his care and attention. “
Catherine E. Bowe,
ARDRISHAIG, Argyll
Patient
December 2007
"To whom it may concern
Dear Sir or Madam,
I wanted to write to inform you of something that happened recently when I was on-call at the Vale of Leven hospital. .....
At2.30 am approximately, I was called to the cardiology ward about a patient of Dr Forbat’s who was unwell, and had a very complicated cardiac history, with a particular problem with an arrhythmia which was not controlled, and was precipitating heart failure. I had been told about this man at the 11pm hand-over,....
AsI rushed along the corridor to see this man, I was aware that this was a complicated problem, and was thinking of all of the possible options open to me in terms of treatment, and ongoing care. I felt somewhat uneasy about what I was facing, as this was a crisis situation, but I was met on the ward by Dr Forbat and the nursing staff, who had already begun treating the crisis. I was hugely relieved that Dr Forbat had taken control of the situation, and busied myself with the much simpler practicalities of replacing the IV line that the patient needed to have replaced. Dr Forbat stayed for about an hour to ensure that the patient was stable, before leaving again to go to bed.
Muchlater, when the situation was safe for the patient, I quizzed the nurses about how Dr Forbat had come to be on the ward as he was not on-call (pleased as I was to see him). It turned out that he had finished work the previous evening feeling very unwell, and went to bed at 6pm. He then slept for 4 hours. When he woke up, he felt much better, and knew that he had a lot of ECG reports to be done, that he had planned to do earlier that day, but had not done due to pressure on his time. He went up to the ECG department and had spent several hours on these reports by the time the crisis with his patient had arisen. The nursing staff had noticed him in the ECG department, as this is adjacent to the cardiology ward and approached him to help after they paged me. It had taken me a few minutes to get to the ward, and in that short time, he had already taken control of the situation, very willingly and professionally. He did not point out to anyone that he was not on-call, and should not have been disturbed. The nurses clearly knew him well enough to be able to ask, expecting a positive response, rather than a rebuff. He showed professionalism and clinical skill in dealing with the situation without hesitation, and I was impressed by this.
I feel that this situation highlights the dedication that Dr Forbat gave to his appointment at the Vale of Leven hospital, and also how many hours of extra time he was prepared to put into ensuring that the job was done, and done well.
I hope you find this helpful,
Yours faithfully,
WRH Brown
MB BCh BAO MRCGP"
Alexandria
December 1998
"Dr Lance Forbat who was appointed as West Cumbria’s first ever Consultant Physician and Cardiologist in the spring of 1995 during my time as Clinical Director in General and Elderly Care Medicine...
During the last three years, Lance has built up a first rate department both clinically and technically starting from scratch. He has provided a state of the art echocardiography service including paediatric and TOE, full 24 hour ambulatory ECG assessment, a greatly expanded treadmill service (both with and without myoview imaging), “one stop” outpatient clinics, a permanent pacemaker implantation service, and a mobile coronary angiography service.”
J D McCrea MD (Hons) FRCP FRCP (Glas)
Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist
Clinical Director General and Elderly Care Medicine
Cumbria
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