Dedicated Breast Surgeon, Purpose-built Facility

Ms Jajini Varghese, a dual-qualified plastic and breast oncology surgeon with a specialist interest in breast and body surgery, currently practices at The Princess Grace Hospital, part of HCA UK.

Later this year, Ms Varghese will move her practice to the Women’s Health Centre, where she will join a growing expert team offering women dedicated care – all under one roof.

From her posts at The Princess Grace Hospital, and the world-renowned Royal Free London NHS Trust, Ms Varghese has already helped thousands of women affected by breast cancer.

“Many of the women I see are in the prime of their lives,” Ms Varghese says. “My experience as a plastic surgeon gives me a unique understanding of aesthetic form in relation to tissue reshaping and healing, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to help by offering breast cancer resection while using plastic surgical principles and carrying out complex reconstructive procedures.”

Easy access to exceptional care

Spread across six floors, the new facility offers women a full range of end-to-end care under one roof – and a clear advantage when it comes to fast-tracked care for a range of women’s health concerns. Whether it’s easy access to specialist GP appointments, or one-stop breast screening, the new service will offer women early diagnostics to catch any troubling signs early.

What’s more, with bespoke menopause support and in-house specialists in endometriosis, breast cancer, gynaecological cancers and more, the service brings together the very best experts in women’s healthcare.

For Ms Varghese, the benefits of state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tests within easy reach are clear.

“The majority of my patients come to see me because they’re worried,” she says. “Either they’ve found a new lump or noticed a change in their skin or nipple. Some have a family history of breast cancer and have been advised to have regular checks. Of course, as a consultant, I want my patients to have access to the best diagnosis possible and as quickly as possible.”

With 3D and contrast mammograms, as well as ultrasound, MRI and CT scans on-site, women no longer need to travel between sites for a diagnosis and, in many cases, tests can be arranged on the same day as a patient’s consultation.

As Ms Varghese says, “it means I can offer many of my patients the reassurance they need as soon as possible, so they can get on with life.”

“I can offer many of my patients the reassurance they need as soon as possible, so they can get on with life.”

One-stop, tailor-made treatment

For those patients who do end up with a cancer diagnosis, it also means faster, more targeted treatment and personalised care. Ms Varghese explains, “the facilities at the Women’s Health Centre are unique and designed to offer a complete wraparound service – not just around active cancer treatment, but follow up care.

“We can have biopsy results back within two to three working days,” she adds. “And experienced patient navigators are on hand to support patients through this process. We then work closely with our patients to come up with a tailor-made plan to treat the cancer and leave the patient feeling as intact as possible.”

This focus on bespoke care now extends much further, too. “We’re able to offer women support with managing side effects and their general wellbeing,” she explains. “Many women choose not to have hormone replacement therapy after menopause or have been advised against it because they’ve had breast cancer. At this facility, my patients have access to a whole team of menopause experts, in the same building, to offer practical help and advice.”

And this focus on the patient is key. Ultimately, of course, it’s all about them – as Ms Varghese is keen to point out.

“My patients are some of the bravest women I have ever met,” she says. “But finding out they have breast cancer can tear their lives apart. To play a small role in helping a woman face the world after a breast cancer diagnosis, to help her rebuild her confidence… that’s the reason I find my job so fulfilling.”