Mr Paul Thorpe

Qualified MB ChB Leics 1991 Trained in London, Sheffield, Bristol (Frenchay SHO Rotation) as an Senior House Officer SW(N) Bristol SpR Rotation 1997-2003 Trauma & Orthopaedic Specialist Registrar Specialist Spinal Surgery Fellowships - Bristol 2002-3 and AO Spine Centre Brisbane Australia 2003-4 I focus on thorough investigation to establish a diagnosis where possible, and being honest when we don't know the answer! However, the main goal is to provide evidence-based treatment for best outcome, and to exclude any serious pathology if we don't have a treatment. Effective communication and use of simple non-threatening, non-catastrophic language is a particular interest of mine, even when I don't have a solution. I support patients in making decisions, rather than push them into treatment. I perform about 450 procedures per year, of which 200 are major operations on the spine. I record all operative outcomes on the British Spine Registry which interrogates patients independently via email to ensure satisfactory independent follow up of my practice. I demonstrate excellent outcomes on the BSR as a high-volume surgeon for most procedures, with a very positive position on the comparison funnel plot for UK surgeons on the registry.

My entire practice is focused on the Spine, both elective and emergency conditions: - Spine Surgery - Cervical, Thoracolumbar, Sacrum/SacroIliac/Coccyx - Spinal Deformity - Older Person, Adult & Paediatric -Trauma, Tumour, Degenerative Conditions -Sports Injury - Cricket, Rugby, Equestrian, Cycling, Athletics - Medicolegal Practice - both Complex Personal Injury and Medical Negligence My main practice for Adults is based at the Taunton Nuffield Hospital . The Nuffield does not accommodate under 16s, so I see younger people/children at Parkside. My Paediatric and medicolegal practice takes place at Musgrove Park Parkside Private Practice Unit (PPU). I also provide clinics/operating on the island of Jersey at the Lido Centre Elite Surgical Suite .  I am a BHRA Point to Point Medical Officer.  I am a Proctor/Trainer for the Zimmer Biomet/ZimVie European Medical Educational Group, for AO Spine, and give lectures for Inspire Medilaw Medicolegal Conferences. I am frequently invited to lecture and teach on spinal topics. I focus on detailed communication and understanding of what surgery can and cannot reliably achieve. I take a very detailed history, examine and investigate patients fully, and will only offer a procedure if we have a safe, reliable and reasonably predictable surgical treatment. I have a good, modern and up-to-date appreciation of new techniques and standard surgical practice. I don't push private patients into treatment, rather I focus on supporting you to make decisions about your care that you feel are in your best interests. My research profile includes Biomodelling in Spinal Surgery, Informed Consent, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Bracing in Paediatric Scoliosis. I have a qualification in Organisational Psychology.