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Mr Stephen Brearley

MBBChir, MChir, FRCS (Eng)

General Surgeon

Live bookings available

49 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+1 more)

1 connection in healthcare

4.94

/5

(39 reviews)

Live bookings available

49 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+1 more)

1 connection in healthcare

Areas of expertise

Hernia
11
Inguinal Hernia Repair
9
Hernia Repair (Keyhole)
4

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Mr Stephen Brearley

Mr Stephen Brearley is a Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon specialising in hernias, gall stones and artery and vein surgery. He has been a full time NHS consultant at Whipps Cross University Hospital since 1992 and sees private patients at Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital and Spire London East Hospital.

Mr Brearley obtained his medical degree from the University of Cambridge in 1977 and obtained his specialist training through the West Midlands Higher Surgical Training Programme. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1981  and was awarded the degree of Master of Surgery by the University of Cambridge in 1991.

Mr Brearley believes accurate diagnosis is crucial to the provision of effective treatment and places it at the heart of all of his consultations with patients. He also believes that surgery is not the best solution for every patient and that all treatment option needs to be carefully considered and discussed. He strives to involve all patients in making decisions about what treatment is best for them and tailoring treatment to their particular needs.

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Brearley is the Founder and Conductor of The Doctors' Orchestra, which brings together doctor-musicians from all over the UK and beyond. Since 2010, he has given an annual concert at London's Cadogan Hall in support of the charity Freedom from Torture.

Mr. Brearley has expertise in the following areas:

  • Gallstones
  • Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy - keyhole)
  • Appendicectomy (keyhole or open)
  • Skin lump removal
  • Lipoma removal
  • Hernia repair (keyhole or open)
  • Abdominal wall reconstruction (incisional hernia)
  • Varicose veins surgery (laser or radiofrequency)
  • Angioplasty
  • Blocked Arteries (peripheral arterial disease, intermittent claudication)
  • Aortic aneurysms

Subspecialties

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Laparoscopic (Key-Hole) Surgery
  • Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery

Areas of expertise

Click the bar to read patient reviews

Hernia
11
Inguinal Hernia Repair
9
Hernia Repair (Keyhole)
4
Varicose Veins
4
Laparoscopic (Key-Hole) Surgery
4
Gallstones
3
Umbilical (Belly-Button) Hernia
3
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
2
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
2
Leg Pain
1
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
1
Cyst Removal
1
Lipoma
1
General Surgery
1
Umbilical Hernia Repair
1
Laparoscopic Bilateral Hernia Surgery
1
Varicose Veins Surgery
Skin Lesion Removal (Warts, Verruca, Moles and Skin Tags)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (Angioplasty and Stenting)
Excision of Benign Lesions
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Venous Ulcers
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Bypass Surgery for Blocked Arteries
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) Treatment
Skin Lesion Treatments
Phlebitis
Laparoscopy
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Gallstone Surgery
Leg Ulcers
Open Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Ischaemia
Lumps and Bumps Removal
Claudication
Lipoma Removal
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Abscess Incision and Drainage
Arterial Ulcers
Pilonidal Sinus Excision
Femoral Hernia
Abdominal Wall Defects
Appendicectomy
Pilonidal Sinus Disorders
Spigelian Hernia
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Appendicitis
Abdominal (Ventral) Hernia
Incisional Hernia Repair
Lipodermatosclerosis
Inguinal Hernia
Gallbladder Disease
Angioplasty
Open Hernia Repair
Endovascular Stent Graft

Registered with

  • General Medical Council

    No. 2383732


Education

University of Cambridge

Medicine

Graduated 1977


Qualifications

MBBChir - University of Cambridge, UK in 1977

FRCS - Royal College of Surgeons of England, UK in 1981

MChir - University of Cambridge, UK in 1991

Professional Memberships

  • Member, Vascular Surgical Society
  • Member Association of Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland
  • Fellow, Royal Society of Medicine
  • Member, British Medical Association
  • Member, Medical Defence Union
  • Member, Expert Witness Institute

Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • Benenden Health
  • General and Medical
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • The Exeter
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Cigna
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Vitality
  • Bupa
  • WPA
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • Healix Health Services
  • Aviva Health
  • AXA Health

Fees

  • New appointment

    £220
  • Follow-up appointment

    £150
*May vary on location

Locations

Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital

High Road Buckhurst Hill, Essex, United Kingdom, IG9 5HX

4.90(2,687 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
14:00 - 16:30
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
14:00 - 16:30
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Spire London East Hospital

Roding Lane South, Redbridge, United Kingdom, IG4 5PZ

4.82(1,312 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
17:30 - 20:30
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

Hernia
11
Inguinal Hernia Repair
9
Hernia Repair (Keyhole)
4

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Mr Stephen Brearley is clear and professional with all. He will listen to you. You will feel at ease. Key topics are hernia care and inguinal hernia repair.

5
verified patient
03 Nov 2026

I went to Holly Hospital on 22 October for my amblical surgery. Dr. Brearly was the surgeon. He met me before the procedure and explained what was involved. His assurance along with his skills and knowledge on the subject matter was very reassuring. Earlier, on 12th October, I was received by a nurse who did the required ECG, blood test and swaps. After my surgery at around 5-30pm on the day, I was allowed to rest at a cabin and was also looked after well throughout the night by the attending night nurse and the Doctor. Nurse inspected the bandage and changed it with a fresh one in the presence of the doctor on night shift. I was released next day with proper advise and a discharge letter ccd to my GP. One week later on 29th October, I was called by the hospital for a check up. Joanne, the nurse in attendance was good assured me that I was recovering well. I am grateful to the Dr. Brearley and his team in Holly Hospital.

Reply from Stephen Brearley
09 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Delighted to read your comments. Thank you so much for posting them. SB

5
verified patient
05 Oct 2026

Mr Brearley was clear and professional and explained everything to me very well. The operation went very well and I was very happy with the care I received.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Stephen Brearley
18 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Very pleased to read your comments. Many thanks.

5
verified patient
07 Sep 2026

The procedure was explained to me on a Thursday with all costs summarised The following Thursday at 17.45 i was in the anaesthetic room awaiting the surgery Extremely pleased that I could get an appointment so quickly as I had been in terrible daily pain All thanks to Dr. Brearley for his efficiency, professionalism and help Also to all other staff that I came into contact with Reception, accounts, anaesthetists and orderlies For someone who was self funding and doesn’t have medical insurance, it was certainly money well spent Thanks to the whole team

Reply from Stephen Brearley
14 Sep 2026
avatar-image

Delighted to be of service. Thank you for your kind appreciation.

5
verified patient
02 Aug 2026

Arrived in good time and was escorted to my room. Visited by surgeon and anaesthetist, which gave me the opportunity of asking questions about the operation and procedure. Went down to theatre late afternoon and returned about an hour later. Post-opp visit by the surgeon, Mr Brearley to confirm all ok, then allowed to go home two hours later.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Stephen Brearley
05 Aug 2026
avatar-image

Thank you. Very pleased all was satisfactory.

5
verified patient
15 Jul 2026

Excellent comprehensive care - from pre-admission to post-op recovery. The surgical outcome 2 weeks after the procedure is very satisfactory. I would recommend Mr Stephen Brearley for his all-round professionalism.

Reply from Stephen Brearley
26 Jul 2026
avatar-image

Many thanks for your kind comments. Very glad you found everything to your satisfaction.

5
verified patient
13 Jun 2026

Good experience at the Holly staff were very helpful

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
29 Apr 2026

It was very useful to have a second opinion after the NHS wanted to operate and grateful for reassurance . I would book to see Mr Brealey again if any issues - thank you

Patient seen for:
Reply from Stephen Brearley
04 May 2026
avatar-image

Many thanks for taking the trouble to comment. I am very glad you found my advice reassuring.

5
verified patient
16 Apr 2026

Brilliant care from start to finish - couldn’t have asked for anything more!

Patient seen for:
Reply from Stephen Brearley
20 Apr 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for taking the trouble to comment. Delighted by your feedback!

5
verified patient
16 Apr 2026

Mr Brearley removed 3 cysts from my back & shoulder. He is very polite and highly professional. His care and attention was fantastic. Would highly recommend him.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Stephen Brearley
20 Apr 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind comments. Much appreciated!

5
verified patient
09 Mar 2026

I recently underwent hernia surgery with Dr Brearley and could not be more satisfied. From the first consultation, he took the time to explain the procedure and recovery in words I could actually understand. Dr Brearley listened to all my concerns and made me feel completely at ease before the operation. The hospital staff was also incredibly professional and helpful with scheduling."

Reply from Stephen Brearley
20 Apr 2026
avatar-image

Your comments are much appreciated. So glad you had a good experience all round.

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FAQ

What are Mr Stephen Brearley's reviews like?

Mr Stephen Brearley's overall patient rating is 4.94 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 39 reviews.

What languages does Mr Stephen Brearley speak?

Mr Stephen Brearley speaks English

Where is Mr Stephen Brearley located?

Mr Stephen Brearley primarily practices at Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital, located at High Road Buckhurst Hill, Essex, United Kingdom, IG9 5HX
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What are Mr Stephen Brearley working hours?

Mr Stephen Brearley is working Wednesday (17:30 - 20:30), Thursday (14:00 - 16:30)

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Does Mr Stephen Brearley accept new patients?

Mr Stephen Brearley generally accepts new patients.

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