Mr George Spink

Written by a private patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

I slipped a disc at the end of last year and initially, not realising the severity and thinking it a trapped nerve, I went to the GP etc, and was advised to do some basic stretches and take some painkillers. Over time, the symptoms worsened and my left lower leg became numb and I couldn't stand up or walk for more than a few minutes. Prior to this, though I wasn't super fit, I had been able to run 10km in about an hour and would daily walk 10-15 km. I was put in touch with George at the Spire Hull via my work's healthcare. I first attended on April 18th. From the off, George clearly knew, from my symptoms and his examination, what the issue was and said straight away what he suspected. He referred me for a scan to confirm and to to see the extent of the issue. Though I had had similar examinations by the GP and GP physio, he was the first to show me the loss of strength in my foot/ toes, which I hadn't realised myself either. I then attended an MRI 5 days later and the extent of the issue was obvious as laying still for 25 mins was unbearable - this is bizarre looking back on now, that I lived with such pain. The day after I was contacted to arrange a follow up with George and he saw me that Saturday morning. He showed me the MRI image that clearly showed a severe slipped disc in my lower back. He then went through the options, which included surgery. I thought this the only way to proceed, as above, I was in constant pain and taking by this time very strong painkillers that were not without side effects. 11 days later I was in for back surgery with George. I felt at every moment completely looked after by all of the staff at Spire and George was amazing. He went above and beyond to explain what the procedure was going to entail, didn't shy away from the potential for complications and risks, but placed these in context and compared these to the risks of the "do nothing option", which were clear. The day after the surgery I awoke with the pain of the wound, but absolutely no pain at all in my left leg and some feeling had already returned. Within two days I was off painkillers, and now (two months later) have never needed to take them since. I was able to walk a few kilometres in one stint within a week and can now walk as before, though my strength and stamina are diminished from the time spent inactive. Some numbness still remains but am led to believe this will reduce as the nerve regrows with time. I honestly cannot imagine a better outcome and though I have thanked George in person, this acts as a second thankyou because he genuinely gave me my life back. My only regret is waiting as long as I did before contacting him, as the length of my rehab is proportional to how long the nerve was trapped. From my initial meeting with George, it was only 21 days to waking up the day after surgery with zero pain in my leg!! As I say, amazing!! Thankyou so much, Craig

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Written by a NHS patient at Castle Hill Hospital

Mr Spinks identified my condition and proposed a treatment plan. It was expedited with urgency due to seriousness of the condition. Mr Spinks explained in detail what was to be done and why. The benefits and risks of the procedure were explained in a frank and understandable manner, all questions I had being answered fully. The range of possible outcomes was explained. The procedure was carried out efficiently, all of the staff were pleasant and professional and the facilities (Castle Hill Hospital, Hull) were excellent - modern and spotless. Mr Spinks visited me directly after the operation and explained it has gone well. My condition was massively improved directly after surgery; and has continued to improve in the eight weeks since. I cannot think of any aspect of the care and treatment I received from Mr Spinks (and team) that could have been improved. I cannot thank him enough for the positive outcome he has achieved and would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

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Written by a NHS patient at Hull Royal Infirmary

I fell down stairs and in addition to broken bones in my arm one of my lower spine bones was broken. To date I have recovered well with very little pain.

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at East Riding Community Hospital

I was given the opportunity to observe Mr Spink in his outpatient clinic today and found it very interesting and extremely valuable. I've met numerous consultants over the years in my career and as a patient, but, have never met a consultant who is so friendly, yet professional with his patients and i could really see how he put all of them at ease and they really trusted what he was saying. It was great to see how he assessed his patients and how he explains the risks/limitations and benefits of treatment to his patients with such clarity, and I am sure I will be able to put this valuable learning experience into practice in my own clinics and become a better clinician because of today. Thanks again for your time.

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Written by a private patient at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

Seen after a skiing accident with fractured vertebrae. Mr Spink was not only reassuring with a great bedside manner throughout but he was also very professional with first class advice and treatment. Mr Spink made time and put himself out to meet us on a bank holiday to ensure a new brace was fitted prior to some travel plans I had book prior to my injury. Would highly recommend him as a neurosurgeon.

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