Janine GriffithsA consultant surgeon who has carried out thousands of operations at one of East Leeds’ biggest hospitals has performed his final surgery.
Professor Giles Toogood, Consultant Surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has retired from operating after a 40 year career in the NHS. He has been a consultant in Leeds since 1998, working at St James’s Hospital.
During his time in Leeds, Prof Toogood carried out more than 8,000 gall bladder operations and over 2,000 liver resections, as well as hundreds of life saving transplants.
Reflecting on the milestone, he said: “It’s been a big part of my life, and it will be a strange feeling, stopping operating after all this time, but it happens to us all.
“I will still be carrying on at Leeds, doing research trials and some clinics but I’m hanging up my boots as far as operating is concerned. I’ll still be around, but it will be nice to spend a bit of time doing other things.
“I’ve worked with some absolutely brilliant teams here at Jimmy’s and I will miss it. I have no regrets, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it all, there have been some wonderful times.”
Former patient Dr Juliet Stone said Prof Toogood’s care saved her life after she was admitted to hospital in severe pain.
She explained: “I attended hospital in excruciating pain, and was found to have large gallstones stuck in my bile duct, and developed pancreatitis,” she said.
“Prof Toogood operated on me to remove my gallbladder once my stuck stones were cleared. It wasn’t a straightforward operation and I was so grateful for his skill and expertise to be able to perform the operation successfully and without complications.
“I was also admitted to hospital due to a liver abscess, which caused sepsis and I was cared for by Professor Toogood and his team. I have since made a full recovery!
“I am so grateful for Professor Toogood’s care – not only did he save my life but his skill and knowledge meant that I have made a complete recovery.”
Another former patient, Richard Maltby, was treated by Prof Toogood almost 24 years ago after being diagnosed with bowel cancer with liver metastasis. He was admitted to hospital and received a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, which allowed him to make a full recovery.
“The methods were believed to be quite groundbreaking for the Leeds Cancer Centre and Giles was the surgeon responsible for my liver surgery, removing a number of tumours during two operations over an 18-month period,” he said, adding: “
“During this time Giles not only provided me with specialist medical treatment but was always there to give me and my family the confidence and hope for a healthy future after cancer.”
Beyond the operating theatre, Prof Toogood also took part in charity golf tournaments organised by Richard over many years, helping to raise around £165,000 for cancer research.
“Over the years Giles has always supported me and my family and I am extremely grateful and fortunate to regard him not only as a great medical professional, but as a friend,” said Richard.
