Mr George Spink

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

It took me twenty years of pain and one year of deliberation to make a decision on having PLIF surgery, largely because I understood that my sciatica was not life-threatening and opting for this procedure would be a lifestyle choice not without its risks. Mr Spink was very careful to point this out to me and to recommend that I take some time to make sure this was what I wanted before I made my decision. All the risks, and potential limitations of complete success were explained fully and patiently and Mr Spink always made me feel that I was in control of the situation. Once the decision was made, the process was smooth, efficient and timely. I knew I was in good hands and the rest of his team clearly knew that too. All staff involved were friendly, knowledgeable and confident which made me feel very positive. Mr Spink comes into his own in theatre, and I only wish I could have been awake long enough to appreciate it fully! I was kept warm and comfortable before surgery, I even got to choose my own music (Harry Styles was most uplifting!) That was six weeks ago now. The surgery was a complete success - I have NO sciatic pain! I am taking no pain relief medication. Aftercare has been excellent. I was walking the following morning, physiotherapy began immediately, clips came out after one week, walking 3-5 miles daily and dancing around the house after one week, swimming after five weeks - what could be better? I went into the operation feeling very strong and fit despite the sciatic pain. Since the operation I have been building that back up gradually but I honestly feel like I could go back onto the squash court any day, though both Mr Spink and my physiotherapist are reigning in my enthusiasm on that one. It is true that now I wish I had done this years ago, but I believe I was right in trying every alternative first, after all it is a bold step to take. The years of managing the pain, and doing my utmost to be as fit as possible to help with that, has had its benefits (unfortunately the steroid injections, nerve blockers, traction, acupuncture and endless trips to various physiotherapists have not!). Mr Spink is expecting to never see me again, we are both confident with what he has achieved. However, his reassurance also included a quick route back to him if it should ever be needed. He says he would have done this surgery on me in 10 or more years time when I am old, had I needed to deliberate for longer. At seventy, he counts me as young, that's a stretch in anybody's view, though I certainly feel that I am now! I have had an active busy working and family life and now I have a busy, active and fulfilling life in retirement. Thank you Mr Spink!

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