Mr David Bell

I wasn't ‘ blinded with Science’ but helped to feel reassured over how I should feel at this stage in my recovery giving me confidence about how I should feel at this point in my recovery together with the knowledge I would see Mr Bell in 2months time,so I thought all in all pleased with today’s outcome.

Very attentive and friendly

Before seeing Mr Bell at the Shard I'd had a convoluted experience: my well-meaning GP had recommended physio, however I was becoming increasingly unsteady on my feet. The MRI in a different private London hospital showed a tight narrowing in my back, nevertheless I was on course to wait weeks on end for intervention there. Mr Bell has been impressively quick to ensure my surgery took place within a week, which prevented permanent disability.  With his experience, it took him little time to examine me and detect the reduced sensation and brisk reflexes in my left leg which had been missed previously. Unsurprisingly, our family see Mr Bell as a superhero-like figure who safeguarded my full recovery.

Another clinic appointment where I felt understood and validated by Mr Bell, whose attention to detail is second to none. My back pain treatment pathway so far has been entirely seamless.

Seven months to the day since my decompression surgery, I am pain-free and able to cycle long distances. My wellbeing is always boosted by the affable follow-up consultations at HCA Shard.

I needed surgery to my thoracic spine, which is more technically challenging, with a select few experts highly skilled at performing it. Grateful to Mr Bell for the speedy sort-out and impeccable operation. I bounced back to my usual self earlier than expected.

In addition to his remarkable clinical acumen, I found Mr Bell refreshingly honest and to the point. He came highly recommended by an acquaintance in the know, from KCH neuro work. Mr Bell’s steady approach and humour defused stress during the procedure to release a constriction in my mid-spine - it could not have gone any better.

I travelled from abroad and sought Doctor Bell’s advice regarding a slipped disc. My balance was perilous and I kept falling over. The clinic consultation was concise yet very attentive, he genuinely listens and cares. My surgery has fully restored normal functioning; I’m back running a business in my late 70s and feeling very fortunate.

Seeing Mr Bell at HCA Shard via BUPA, was an incredibly quick and easy experience and would recommend to anyone.

Around the time of my beneficial spinal operation conducted by Mr Bell, the MRI scan showed another problem at a lower, lumbar level pressing on the nerve roots. Mr Bell provided comprehensive explanations: as my latter issue was less severe and not causing significant symptoms, it's more appropriate to hold off a further invasive procedure for the time being. He offered the option of a steroid injection if my symptoms worsen in the future. I felt reassured by his calming demeanour backed up by the published medical evidence, that most cases of back pain do not require surgical intervention. Afterwards I saw that Mr Bell has recently been awarded a Top Doctors UK award (as the only neurosurgeon in 2025) and this is totally reflective of my own experience as his patient.