Received surgery that likely saved my life. He came often to check up on my progress while I was in the Prince Rupert Reg. Hospital. Thank you, Dr. Nel!

Submitted Feb. 8, 2024

Doctor Nel has a very caring manner. His staff is polite and friendly. He lets you know what he is looking for, what he hopes to find, what he hopes NOT to find. He lets you know ahead the procedure and asks what questions you have. Such a kind man.

Submitted Jan. 26, 2022

*Rating created with assistance *I was encouraged by the overall positive ratings for this doctor, especially given my unique barriers (Traumatic Brain Injury). I have difficulty communicating and can become overwhelmed with questions if care is not afforded. I am currently hospitalized with an ongoing abdominal pain issue of which, Nel was called in to consult. It is important to note that the current situation is very similar to the situation I had 5 years ago when after several days in hospital, I was finally laproscoped and multiple intrusive adhesions discovered. Same localization, pain and symptoms.
Upon meeting this Dr, I advised of my barriers and needs. He appeared to ignore my request and proceeded to rapid-fire questions to the point of my frustration and emotional breakdown. This also seemed to coincide with him asking if I have a local doctor and if I had ever seen a Psychiatrist. To this, I became emotional and asked if he was suggesting this was all in my head. To this, he condescendingly patted me, stood up and said "...looks like you're not in a place to listen right now" .
He later continued talking and I don't know what he said as I had shut down. He asked if I was in an exercise program (I mentioned I gained 30lbs since my accident) and that we need to figure out what the real "deep-down " cause of this issue is....adhesions, psychological....etc
(Writers Spouse comments)
I am not always able to be with her as an advocate due to the current global situation which makes the behavior of this "professional " even more deplorable in my opinion.
My wife is an articulate, intelligent and compassionate human being who gave everything to helping others before her accident. She has great difficulty asking for help and has had particular difficulty these past couple years, becoming comfortable with doing this. The way in which this health "professional " responded to her, even AFTER she had given him this disclaimer is despicable. You have in my opinion, failed at upholding the covenants of the oath that ALL Physicians are expected to abide.
Shame on you.
We are hoping that despite this, we will find the care she needs before something worse happens to her.
To all those reviewing this statement in comparison with all the other glowing recommendations, we would strongly caution you against allowing this man to care for any loved one unable to speak for themselves.

Submitted Nov. 30, 2020

Words do not seem enough. Thank you Dr. Nel for going above and beyond for my two surgeries for gallstones stuck in my bile duct and for scheduling immediate surgery to take my gallbladder out. I was informed and shown what was about to happen. Dr Nel is so kind and qualified (only two in BC can do this surgery), Thee was not a bit of arrogance, only a gentleness that made it so much easier to go through the emergency surgeries. Boy did I win the lottery! Thank you for the great man you are.

Submitted Aug. 17, 2020

Was so awesome to have someone in emergency who could answer questions, and give us a great deal of comfort knowing that he was calm and fully qualified. Thanks so much doctor!

Submitted Aug. 3, 2020

Dr. Nel is an excellent surgeon with a very nice personality. Great Doctor!

Submitted March 28, 2018

Dr Nel is the best dr in his field, for the northwest! We are lucky he lives here..did well by me,

Submitted Sept. 2, 2017

Excellent surgeon, explains everything very well. Prince Rupert is lucky to have him

Submitted Jan. 21, 2016

Almost had a unnecessary stint put into my gallbladder bile duct, thankfully got a second opinion and bile duct is clear and fine wasn't the issue - watch out! you may be having your gallbladder removed unnecessarily like most of our family members. if you do you should be taking "bile salt" for the rest of your life - don't suppose he told you that.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2015

After a gallbladder attack 2 weeks ago (and being miss diagnosed 1 week ago by a dr. on call in Prince Rupert -Dr. Fennell) we were referred to Dr. Nel. patients Billirubin was at 200! and patient was very jaundice. Dr. Nel ran additional blood tests to review current status, ran CT scan and then proposed a ERCP (scope of the bile duct is what he suspected was needed). Gave patient pros and cons of this type of scope procedure (my concern was if a general anaesthetic was really necessary and of course the cons can be severe). Procedure went well, cleared the bile duct, no gallstones seen (drinking Apple Cider Vinegar last two weeks) and no tumours/malignancy. Referred to Vancouver for a ultrasound (not available in PR). Dr. Nel was thorough without being reckless and has taken very good care of his patient. Overall I was critical of all medical procedures but in retrospect this procedure was necessary and he seems to be fairly good at what he's doing.

Submitted Oct. 28, 2015