MBBS, FRCS, MSc
General Surgeon
29 years of experience
Exeter, EX2 4UG
2 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Wajed Saj, Mr Rob Bethune
29 years of experience
Exeter, EX2 4UG
2 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Wajed Saj, Mr Rob Bethune
Areas of expertise
Contact
Book
I am a Consultant Vascular and General Surgeon trained and based in the South West of England. I have worked as a full-time Consultant Vascular Surgeon in Exeter since October 2010 and runs a comprehensive NHS practice alongside my private work.
In private practice, I specialise in the two key areas: treatment of varicose veins, offering both surgical and non-surgical options, and the management of abdominal wall and groin hernias using open and laparoscopic repair techniques.
I am fully trained and accredited in the management of arterial and venous disease, hernia surgery, and general surgery.
Personalised care is important to me. During consultations, my patients are carefully counselled on all available treatment options, including conservative management or referral back to local NHS services where appropriate. I believe that no single treatment suits every patient, even when the diagnosis is the same, and I ensure that each treatment plan is tailored to your needs and circumstances.
I am committed to open communication and continuity of care, offering patients direct access to me before and after treatment for any questions or concerns. Patients are provided with my contact details, and I remain contactable by email seven days a week.
My outcomes for major arterial procedures, including aortic aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, lower limb bypass surgery, and amputation, are published by the Vascular Society and are publicly available. I maintain detailed audit records of my surgical work and am always willing to discuss my personal outcomes as part of the consultation process. You need to have faith in your surgeon!
My NHS practice is subject to regular peer-reviewed morbidity and mortality meetings, and I fully comply with General Medical Council requirements for independent specialist practice, including ongoing accreditation and revalidation.
Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements
General Medical Council
No. 4301949
University of London
Medicine
Graduated 1996
This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews
Mr David William Birchley is reassuring with patients, giving clear explanations during visits and treatments. Patients report good outcomes from procedures such as inguinal hernia repair and sclerotherapy. Some patients note delays past their scheduled appointment times. Reviews show Mr Birchley's skill in varicose veins procedures and many hernia repairs.
Mr Birchley is very knowledgeable and professional in his approach.

Thank you very much for taking the time to post this review.
Everything was well explained, I was treated with understanding and dignity. At the end a job very well done. Many Thanks

Thank you for your feedback. It is much appreciated.
Mr. Birchley took the time to explain the procedure for my hernia operation thoroughly, answered all my questions, and made me feel completely confident and reassured me before the operation. On the day of the surgery, the whole process was smooth and well organised. I would not hesitate to recommend this surgeon to anyone needing hernia surgery.

Thank you very much for your kind feedback. It is always gratifying to hear the whole service works as intended.
The visit was for a consultation on whether I would need surgery on the varicose veins in my left leg which were causing me pain when I sit. Mr Birchley examined them and said he could help, but suggested tryng support stockings first to see if that relived the pain. If the pain continued I should contact him where he could remove them. He was very helpful, explained everything clearly and was very kind and approachable.

Thank you for your kind review. It is important to explore all options when considering treatment, to ensure the best possible outcomes. It is time well spent!
Very easy to discuss the procedure . Put in a way that was understandable. Overall very good

Thank you for your kind feedback.
Mr Birchley was very helpful and clear with me regarding my consultation and options and I appreciated that clarity. On the evening I attended there was a wait to see Mr Birchley beyond the scheduled time and rating below 5* reflect only this qualification.

Thank you for your feedback. It is always important to give adequate time to each patient so they can leave fully informed around their condition and options. Inevitably in a clinic setup this can lead to delays. I am grateful for your understanding.
This was the initial consultation with Mr Birchley and he was helpful and informative.

Thank you for sharing your positive views of this consultation.
I was extremely impressed with the Consultation I had with Mr Birchley as from the symptoms I was experiencing did not come into his sphere of work Not only did he go to great lengths stating why this was so & then recommended me to see the right Consultant Nothing was too much trouble & put me completely at ease Which I appreciated Thank you

Thank you very much. I try to be clear with patients as to what I can, and cannot, do. In situations where I cannot help or provide care direct I try to offer an alternative or advice. I am pleased to hear this helped you.
Mr Birchley diagnosed me and told me I need an operation. But told me he was prevented from preforming the operation under the agreement between the NHS and the Nuffield. And my case would be referred back to the RD&E hospital whom I yet to here from. In the mean time I'm waiting while left in quite a lot of pain and discomfort

Thank you for the feedback. I see patients in private clinics, and NHS clinics at the private hospital. In the NHS clinics I am bound by the restrictions placed on treatments I can offer by the Hospital, and a system is in place to forward referrals where necessary. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you contact my secretary I will clarify where your referral is in the process.
Very happy with treatment received

Thank you very much for this positive feedback.
MS
Mr Wajed Saj
General SurgeonI have worked with Dave for many years and he is an excellent surgeon
09 Jan 2026
Mr Rob Bethune
General SurgeonWhat are Mr David William Birchley's reviews like?
Mr David William Birchley's overall patient rating is 4.89 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 28 reviews.
What languages does Mr David William Birchley speak?
Mr David William Birchley speaks English
Where is Mr David William Birchley located?
Mr David William Birchley primarily practices at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital, located at Wonford Rd, Exeter, United Kingdom, EX2 4UG
See more locations
Does Mr David William Birchley accept new patients?
Mr David William Birchley generally accepts new patients.
Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient