Mr George Spink

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

I had been suffering from severe calf pain for several years following a motoring incident. This condition was made worse by having had the wrong operation (a fasciotomy) which in turn was because of an incorrect diagnosis. The surgeon who undertook this operation did, in fairness to him, admit that he had made things worse. He subsequently referred me for nerve investigation when I was told that there was little wrong with me and that my pain was “in the mind.” I continued to suffer for many months. Fortunately, my insurer agreed to take this case on as a private patient. I was first seen by a lower limb specialist who in turn referred me to an excellent nerve specialist whose diagnosis resulted in my being referred to Mr Spink for back surgery at the Spire Hospital in Hull. Right from my first meeting with Mr Spink, I had the greatest confidence in him. He explained in full detail the seriousness of the operation which I needed including the potential risks, taking great care to make sure that I had the complete picture for me to reach a decision. Because of the significance of the operation, he placed his proposal before a review panel as an additional check. The operation which I needed was a L4/5 lumbar cement augmented fusion for symptomatic spondylolithesis. Not only did he explain what is involved, he also gave me detailed, illustrated literature to augment my understanding. He made sure that I was fully comfortable with my decision to proceed and did not rush me. As soon as I was in recovery, Mr Spink was at my bedside, assuring me that all was well. He again visited me early in the morning the next day. I was in hospital for just two nights and am now well into my recuperation phase after some seven weeks. A few days ago, he was able to sign me off but making clear that I could contact him at any time if necessary. I am now having physiotherapy. We are truly fortunate in having such skilled surgeons as Mr Spink, who was backed up by an excellent team at the Spire (and the Nuffield in York where I am an outpatient). I am pleased to say that the severe and limiting pain in my calf has completely gone and I look forward to being fully mobile in due course.

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

After suffering with a slipped disc for 12 months, I was referred to Mr George Spink at the Spires in Hull under the NHS. Mr Spink advised I have an Up to date MRI scan as my last was 6 months Earlier. The Scan revealed my condition had deteriorated, and after a reassuring chat with Mr Spink who gave me my best options . I decided to Go ahead with Surgery ( Discectomy+ Foramenotamy). It's now 9 weeks after my Surgery and my leg pain And numbness/ pins and needles have gone. I can not thank Mr Spink enough for what he has done for me.From first meeting him to my last visit , he explained exactly what was needed and reassured me about the Surgery and after care. He's a fine Surgeon and a Gentleman. Paul McGarty Caistor, Lincolnshire.

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at Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital

What can I say about Mr Spink? It was back in July when I first spoke to Mr Spink following an MRI on my lower back. Over the past 40 years I have had five operations on my spine, three of which have been since leaving work on ill health grounds in 2006. So when Mr Spink pointed out that he could perform a PLIF procedure, I was feeling a little apprehensive especially in view of the fact that I will be 70 years of age next May! He went through this procedure in great detail, ensuring that I was made aware of the 'high' risks involved along with the 'low' chance of success based on the number of operations I have had over the years. He also gave me some literature about the procedure which I found to be most helpful. Just to make doubly sure that I knew what to expect, I retrieved a further practical explanation on YouTube. Being, what I consider myself to be a most cautious and thorough individual, I made sure that I left no stone unturned before making my decision to agree to Mr Spink performing the PLIF. So it was, that on the morning of October 27th I arrived at the Spire hospital for the preliminary checks to be completed prior to my operation later in the day. The staff made me feel very welcome until eventually I was taken to the operating theatre. The anesthetists put me at ease as did Mr Spink until finally, it was time. The next thing I knew was when I woke up in the bed in my room when Mr Spink came to see me. The following morning Mr Spink came to see me again and was very obliging and kind, telling me that everything went ok in the theatre. It is now seven weeks since my operation and apart from a few aches and pains (must be my age!), I am walking, driving and leading an almost normal life thanks to Mr Spink. I have to say that:- 1) He has been the first surgeon to explain in so much detail about the options available to me back in July. I say that without taking anything away from my previous surgeons. 2) He has been the first surgeon to keep me informed by letter, outlining in detail what has happened and what to expect in the future. 3) He has been extremely professional, firm and kind throughout. 4) Mr Spink has arranged for me to see him again to discuss my progress (this is the first time I have had, what will be a 3rd appointment). 5) Mr Spink has always been available, through his secretary (who, it has to be said, has also been most obliging and friendly) via emails and phone calls alike. In conclusion I cannot express my thanks enough for what Mr Spink and his team of nurses etc. have done for me. As for my spine, well that is in a degenerative state so any procedure to alleviate the pain in some way is most grateful. Oh and before I forget, he offered me a photograph showing his handy work!!

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

Mr Spink recently performed a corrective surgery on my L4/L5, which was done via a spinal fusion. My prior surgery had made my conditions worse, and when Mr Spink reviewed by various imaging scans, he revealed my previous surgery was not the correct procedure for this particular problem. He took great care to check his own diagnosis with via an MDT meeting, so that we could benefit from multiple perspectives on the issue before recommending any treatment. Mr Spink also arranged nerve conduction tests to understand the level of damage and stress on my nerves, to fully assess the situation. After years of pain for someone who was previously very fit and active, it was a big decision to have yet another surgery. Ultimately, Mr Spink gave me the confidence this was the right decision and so I went ahead and had the PLIF fusion. This has been one of the best decisions I have made, as my recovery since has been something just short of a miracle. A sincere thank you to Mr Spink, for finally helping to remove my constant pain and get back to living my life to the full.

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

Mr Spink performed decompression surgery at my L2/L3 vertebrae and additionally decompression and fusion at my L4/L5. At every level he demonstrated exceptional patient care and exhaustive explanations of risk and procedure. He was particularly cognisant of a small possibility of post operative atrial fibrillation which was completely avoided. Despite fairly major surgery I was operated on and home again within 24 hours. He exuded both care and confidence at every level. Highly recommended, he is a credit to his profession and the NHS.

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