Spinal
The Exeter Spinal Unit is a tertiary referral centre for spinal disorders in the South West of England. We manage the full spectrum of extra-dural spinal conditions from the cervical spine to the lumbar region including spinal cord compression (myelopathy), nerve pain (such as sciatica) and deformity.
As an NHS England-commissioned Specialised Service we perform paediatric and adolescent scoliosis correction surgery for patients living in Devon and Cornwall while we also operate an adult deformity service.
The regional on-call service receives referrals from hospitals across the region with a 24/7 Consultant cover. Our service takes pride in teaching the next generation of spinal surgeons through the Norman Capener Spinal Fellowship with many going forward to be Consultants in the UK and internationally while we work closely with a team of extended scope physiotherapists who have extensive experience assessing spinal disorders.
We are currently working with DrDoctor to text those on our waiting list. If you have received a text message from 07860 039 092 then please do not ignore it - reply to let us know if you still need your hospital procedure or appointment. Your response will help us to manage our waiting lists and see those that need an appointment as quickly as we can. You can find out more here.
Information and about us
Spinal disorders can affect people in a number of ways. They can cause neck or back pain, or even nerve pain in the arms or legs. We have 33 bones and 23 discs that form a moving structure that provides protection to the spinal cord and nerves within, and it also holds us upright. Due to this, there are many issues that can arise.
Fortunately thanks to modern spinal practice and the support of advanced imaging techniques, we can improve many of the symptoms affecting people day to day.
Our consultant spinal surgeons and medical staff work closely with other doctors across the hospital, such as paediatricians, oncologists and dedicated musculoskeletal radiologists (medical imaging doctors). We also work with the medical imaging department to help confirm diagnosis and/or help plan surgery and are supported by our excellent and compassionate management, secretarial and nursing teams.
Contact us
To get in touch with the spinal team, please contact us on the general number 01392 404724
Consultant numbers
- Jill Farrar x3590 - contact for:
Shahid Khan, Consultant / Savi Prakash, Consultant / James Hiett, ESP
- Anita Needs x3575 - contact for:
Henry Budd, Consultant / Nicholas Blade, ESP / Amanda Maclellan, ESP (covering)
- Cassie Gent x4728 - contact for:
Oliver Stokes, Consultant / Michael Anderton, Consultant (covering)
- Madeline Richardson x4773 - contact for:
Wisam Selbi, Consultant / Jack Trudgeon, ESP / Andrew Clarke, Consultant (covering) / Faye McCluskey, ESP (covering)
- Tabitha Purdy x3747 - contact for:
Injections Service / MDT
- Izzy Kenyon x8759:
Booking Clerk
Where to find us
RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW
Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre
Meet the team
Our consultants are:
- Mr Henry Budd, Consultant spine surgeon
- Mr Shahid Khan, Consultant spine surgeon
- Mr Michael Anderton, Consultant spine surgeon
- Mr Oliver Stokes, Consultant spine surgeon
- Mr Wisam Selbi, Consultant spine surgeon
- Mr Savi Prakash, Consultant spine surgeon
We also have several Extended Scope Practitioners (ESPs) within the department:
- James Hiett
- Nick Blade
- Amanda MacLennan
- Jack Trudgeon
- Rebecca Bess
ESPs are highly-trained specialist practitioners who are very experienced in the management of patients with spinal disorders. They see patients in clinic and advise them on treatment, including requesting investigations, seeing the pain team, seeing a surgeon or more focused physiotherapy.
Patient information
British Association of Spine Surgery
The British Association of Spine Surgeons have produced several pages on a variety of topics, find out more.
Our Patient information leaflets
We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital.
We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.
Information for healthcare professionals
We have a dedicated section for Healthcare Professionals that includes referral information, guidance and further information.