Mr Alasdair Crawford Drake

I studied medicine at Oxford University then King's College London. Being in these highly regarded institutions has stood me in good stead ever since. I trained in all aspects of gynaecology at the very large hospitals in Portsmouth and Southampton. After accrediting as a consultant I went on to higher training as a cancer surgeon at the world famous St James's Hospital in Leeds. I am the only surgeon in my area with this training.

My principal areas of expertise are the major surgery and treatment of cancer and “keyhole” surgery. However the surgical and communication skills to do this well are equally applicable to the treatment of all women with gynaecological problems which is far better as a result of my training and experience as a cancer surgeon.

I believe that women need total faith in their doctor. This trust requires top class information, choice and support coupled with the highest levels of expertise, surgical skills, outcomes and aftercare. I aim to deserve this trust whilst at the same time being kind, approachable, gentle and honest. I give all my patients the same reassurance, care and attention however big or small their problems may seem.

I am a trained facilitator conducting national Advanced Communication Skills courses. I am passionate about excellent communication and give my patients as much support as possible so I was delighted when asked to train as a facilitator. Both communication and facilitation skills help me immensely when talking with women and their families and I believe it makes me a much better doctor for it.

Much of the surgery I perform is minimal access including laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts and hysterectomy. Many operations can be performed in this way, even after previous surgery, and can bring real benefits to women including faster recovery and lower complications. I also perform less invasive treatments for heavy periods (endometrial ablation) and hysteroscopic and vaginal surgery including removal of fibroids.

I regularly perform major and radical operations for ovarian, uterine (womb), cervical and vulval cancers. Women are referred to me directly by their GP and many by other gynaecologists. The best outcomes for these conditions are achieved by specialist surgery. I also perform major surgery for non-cancer problems including hysterectomy and more complex benign surgery such as severe endometriosis, huge fibroids or after repeated surgery. The skills I developed as a cancer surgeon really help me to complete these more difficult operations safely.

I have 20 years of experience as a colposcopist. I was recognised as an existing specialist when mandatory national accreditation began. I hold regular clinics for the assessment and treatment of abnormal cervical smears. Few women coming to colposcopy will have cervical cancer and need appropriate advice, treatment and reassurance. Unlike most colposcopists, few of whom are cancer surgeons, I also treat cervical cancer itself.