I am a Consultant Neurosurgeon with a specialist interest in Spinal Surgery. I have comprehensive medico-legal experience in both Clinical Negligence and Causation as well as Personal Injury cases. I have undertaken Expert Witness training with Bond Solon and have been awarded the Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate (Civil). I have been preparing reports since 2011 and have a clear understanding of the requirements, roles and responsibilities of an Expert Witness as well as the expectations on me of both solicitors and the Court.
I have medicolegal experience in:
1. Spinal disorders including fracture, infection, tumour, back pain and whiplash
2. Complex spine cases involving the neck, thoracic spine and back
3. Degenerative spine / cauda equina
4. Head injury
5. Medical negligence and causation
I am regularly instructed by leading Defence and Claimant litigators. These firms have included Irwin Mitchell, Switalskis, Bridge McFarland, Thompsons, Atherton Godfrey, Augustus Cullen, Ward Hadaway, Hempsons and Hill Dickinson.
I have been a Consultant since 2007 and am in full time practice in the National Health Service. My practice covers all aspects of spinal surgery including elective and emergency surgery (cauda equina syndrome, fractures, tumours, infection and spinal cord injury). I also treat patients with moderate and severe head injury.
I was Clinical Director for Spinal Surgical Services and Neurosurgery at South Tees Foundation Trust for 8 years until March 2018. South Tees is a designated Regional Spinal Hub and Major Trauma Centre, receiving a varied pattern of complex spinal cases from a wide geographical region. The spinal unit also provides surgical services to the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre which is on site.
I am Chair of the North East Spinal Network and was a member of the Clinical Reference Group for Complex Spinal Surgery and author of one of the National Commissioning Policies (Cervical Disc Replacement).