Dr Phil Hammond interviewed Prof Mark Whiteley today on BBC Radio Bristol. Dr Phil Hammond is a well-known doctor in the UK, having been at the forefront of bringing health news to the public for many years. This popular weekly BBC programme is billed as ‘the only place where you can book a regular appointment with a GP on a Saturday’. Initially using comedy to bring medicine into the public arena, Dr Hammond became very well known as part of "Struck Off and Die". He appears regularly in the national media and is the famous "MD" in Private Eye. His stage shows are both funny and hard-hitting and should not be missed. Professor Whiteley took the opportunity to discuss varicose veins and leg ulcers on this programme, explaining how they can be treated using minimally invasive procedures and providing a lasting cure for sufferers.

About to start interview with Dr Phil Hammond on BBC Radio Bristol about varicose veins and leg ulcers

The Interview on BBC Radio Bristol

Dr Hammond introduced Mark Whiteley asking about his training and what made him interested in varicose veins and leg ulcers. Fairly soon, the interview turned to the fact that stripping should not used to treat varicose veins. Mark explained that NICE now recommends endothermal ablation (Endovenous Laser or Radiofrequency) above stripping. He also explained why, describing how stripping causes veins to grow back. Dr Hammond asked how much it cost to treat leg ulcers. Mark explained that research had shown that to cure one leg ulcer was the same cost as treating it by district nurse for one year. As such it would be cheaper to cure leg ulcers rather than dress them. Finally Dr Hammond asked what the best way to check for veins was. Prof Whiteley explained that even NICE agreed that the "Gold Standard" test was a Duplex Ultrasound, performed by a specialist team - NOT by a doctor doing their own scan. For anyone who missed the programme, it’s available to listen to here:

The Whiteley Clinic Bristol open day

Dr Hammond asked where patients could find out about The Whiteley Clinic and where the new The Whiteley Clinic is Bristol was located. Mark explained that all of the information was on www.TheWhiteleyClinic.co.uk and The Whiteley Clinic in Bristol is in Litfield House in Clifton. He also announced that there was going to be an Open Day of Saturday 27th September. During this, patients can talk to Mr Mike Rocker and Prof Mark Whiteley - and have a free preliminary Duplex Ultrasound to check for hidden varicose veins. To listen to Dr Hammond’s programmes, please visit this link.