Our Consultants

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Mr Sam Dalal

Consultant Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon
MBChB, MSc, FRCSEd (Tr & Orth)

  • I am on the specialist register as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and specialise in conditions of the hand and wrist.

    My main areas of clinical interest relate to conditions of the hand and wrist and include the treatment of arthritis, Dupuytren’s disease, nerve compression syndromes, sports injuries, fractures and soft tissue injuries.

    Conditions Treated:

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome

    • Cubital tunnel syndrome 

    • Hand arthritis

    • Hand and wrist ganglion

    • Dupuytren’s

    • Trigger fingers

    • Sports injuries

    • Tendon problems

    I qualified in medicine from the University of Sheffield in 1997. Specialist training in trauma and orthopaedic surgery was undertaken in the North West of England, leading to the fellowship in trauma and orthopaedic surgery in 2009. Specialist training was completed with hand and wrist fellowships at the Upper Limb Unit in Wrightington, the Pulvertaft Hand Centre in Derby and at the Hand and Upper Extremity Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, USA.

    I have an MSc in Medical Engineering, awarded from the University of Leeds in 2007. I was appointed as a Consultant Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon at Sunderland Royal Hospital in 2012.

    Private practice at Spire Washington Hospital and Tyneside Surgical Services Team Valley for both insured and self-pay patients.

    Named Secretary: 
    Natalie Gartland
    natalie@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1010

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Mr Daniel Dowen

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
FRCS (Tr & Orth), MRCS, MBBS, BSc (Hons)

  • I specialise in hip and knee joint replacement surgery, and I have a special interest in complex and revision surgery where previous hip and knee replacement implants are causing pain for reasons such as (but not limited to) loosening, implants wearing out or infection. I also perform keyhole knee surgery, and in my NHS practice regularly perform general orthopaedic trauma surgery.

    Most of the elective conditions that I treat are painful hip and knee conditions including hip and knee arthritis, hip/groin/gluteal or buttock pain, bursitis, degenerative joint conditions, musculoskeletal injuries around the hip and knee including meniscal tears. I also see iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome and perform hip and knee joint injections. I investigate and treat a variety of tendonitis/tendinopathy conditions and sports injuries around the hip and knee.

    I see complex hip and knee pathology, including avascular necrosis of the hip (AVN), Perthes disease and I see and assess people with leg length discrepancies often secondary to hip pathology.

    I was born and educated in Durham City before I completed my medical training at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2005. My surgical training was also completed in the North East of England prior to undertaking a year long fellowship in lower limb joint replacement in Auckland, New Zealand. I also hold a higher degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Leeds, which I completed in 2000. This has given me a strong grounding in medical research, and to date, I am a named author on over 20 publications. This has helped to form the basis of my evidence-based practice.  I have a busy NHS practice at Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust where I am currently the clinical lead for the Trauma and Orthopaedic Department.

    I offer a patient-centred approach to shared decision making and pride myself on openness and honesty throughout the patient journey.

    Please visit Mr. Dowen's website

    List of Procedures:

    • Joint injections

    • Hip injections

    • Knee injections

    • Hip and knee arthroplasty

    • Hip and knee replacements

    • Total hip replacement

    • Total knee replacement

    • Complex primary hip replacement

    • Complex primary knee replacement

    • Revision hip surgery

    • Revision knee surgery

    • Knee arthroscopy

    • Keyhole knee surgery

    • Meniscal tear surgery

    • ITB syndrome management

    • Trochanteric bursitis management

    • Mechanical knee symptom management

    • Sports injury assessment/ investigation 

    • Joint injections

    • Hip & knee arthroplasty

    • Complex hip & knee surgery

    • Meniscal tears

    Named Secretary: 
    Lynn Seymour
    lynn@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1011

A male surgeon in blue scrubs, a surgical cap, and glasses, smiling with his arms crossed in a medical setting.

Mr Andrew Mishreki

Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon
MBChB, MRCS, ChM, FRCS

  • I am a consultant colorectal and general surgeon, with an NHS practice at University Hospital North Durham, and private practice based at Spire Washington Hospital.

    In my NHS practice I sit as the trust cancer lead for County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust, whilst at Spire Washington I sit on the Medical Advisory Council.

    My practice encompasses the full remit of general surgery and colorectal surgery, all of which I perform with advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) and minimally invasive (including trans-anal) techniques, including: Hernia and gallbladder surgery, the investigation and treatment of colorectal and anorectal disorders, and all bowel related diseases, colorectal cancer surgery and endoscopic procedures for the upper GI tract (OGD) and lower GI tract (colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy).

    Following qualification in medicine from The University of Birmingham, I carried out my basic surgical training in the West Midlands and the South West, before completing my higher surgical training in the North East of England. Alongside fellowship examinations (Royal College of Surgeons of England), I achieved a Master of Surgery degree with merit during this time. Towards the end of my training, I had the honour of being awarded the prestigious ACPGBI (Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland) travelling fellowship, gaining a unique experience in the world's largest Intestinal Failure Unit (Nebraska, USA), treating the most complex of bowel conditions during this time.

    Following completion of my training, I undertook a year's fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand, focusing on advanced laparoscopic (keyhole), minimally invasive surgical techniques, and complex colorectal cancer surgery. I then took up my current post as consultant colorectal and general surgeon at University Hospital of North Durham.

    I have published in many peer reviewed journals, and recently have been pivotal in the development of a new state of the art laparoscopic operating theatre that has opened at University Hospital North Durham.

    My varied and valuable experiences, highly specialised skill-set, and demanding NHS practice, enable me to provide the highest possible standard of care for my patients.

    Named Secretary: 
    Lynn Seymour
    lynn@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1011

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Mr Balaji Purushothaman

Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
MBBS, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (T&O)

  • Mr Balaji Purushothaman is a highly experienced consultant spinal surgeon based in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK), specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of complex back and neck pain conditions. He offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments for spinal disorders, with a focus on personalised, patient-centred care.

    Mr Purushothaman completed his medical degree (MBBS) in India before moving to the North East of England in 2005 to pursue higher surgical training in trauma and orthopaedics. During his specialty training, he gained wide-ranging experience in orthopaedic trauma and subspecialties, ultimately focusing on spine surgery. He completed the prestigious AO Spine Fellowship in Brisbane, Australia, where he received advanced training in treating spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal trauma, spinal infections and spinal tumours.

    Mr Purushothaman offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of spinal conditions, including:

    • Herniated discs

    • Sciatica

    • Spinal stenosis

    • Degenerative spine disease

    • Spinal fractures

    • Cervical radiculopathy (brachialgia)

    •  Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)

    • Spinal deformity

    • Spondylolisthesis

    Treatments Offered:

    Mr Purushothaman provides expert care using both non-surgical and surgical techniques for spine-related issues

    Non-surgical Treatments

    • Physiotherapy for back and neck pain

    • Image-guided spinal injections/nerve root blocks and facet joint injections

    Surgical Procedures

    • Lumbar discectomy

    • Lumbar decompression

    • Lumbar decompression and posterolateral fusion

    • Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

    • Cervical spine surgery

    • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

    • Posterior cervical decompression (PCD)

    • Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF)

    • Cervical disc replacement

    • Minimally invasive spinal procedures

    • Surgery for spinal trauma (fractures), tumours, and infections

    Named Secretary: 
    Lynn Seymour
    lynn@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1011

Mr. Mallikarjun Honnenahalli Chandrappa

Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
M.B.B.S, M.S (Orthopaedics), FRCS Ed (Trauma & Orth)

  • I am a consultant spinal surgeon specialising in the diagnosis and management of spinal disorders in adults and adolescents. My approach is centred on understanding your symptoms, reviewing your imaging and medical history and explaining the available treatment options clearly. Surgery is considered only where it is appropriate and likely to provide meaningful benefit.

    I obtained my FRCS in 2014 and subsequently undertook fellowships in spinal surgery at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the University Hospital for Wales, Cardiff. I was appointed as a consultant spinal surgeon in Trauma and Orthopaedics at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, in 2020. I have published in international journals.

    If you are experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, sciatica or other spinal problems, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. I provide specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of spinal conditions, offering patients an evidence-based approach that considers both surgical and non-surgical options.

    I assess and treat a broad range of spinal conditions, including:

    • Lower back pain and degenerative spinal conditions

    • Sciatica and nerve-root compression

    • Lumbar disc prolapse

    • Spinal stenosis

    • Cervical disc disease and cervical myelopathy

    • Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy

    • Degenerative disc disease

    • Facet joint-related spinal pain

    • Spondylolisthesis

    • Spinal deformity and scoliosis

    • Adult spinal deformity

    • Spinal fractures and trauma

    • Spinal tumours and other complex spinal conditions

    • Persistent or recurrent symptoms following previous spinal surgery


    Not every spinal condition requires surgery. Following a detailed assessment, treatment may include:

    Non-surgical Management

    • Advice and education

    • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

    • Medication optimisation

    • Image-guided pain interventions where appropriate

    • Further specialist investigations

    Surgical Treatment
    Where surgery is indicated, I can discuss appropriate procedures, which may include decompression, discectomy, spinal fusion and surgery for spinal deformity or other complex spinal conditions.

    The aim is to recommend the least invasive treatment that is appropriate for your condition, while ensuring that you understand the potential benefits, risks and alternatives.

    During your consultation, I will:

    • Listen carefully to your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

    • Review your previous investigations and treatments.

    • Examine you where appropriate.

    • Review your MRI, CT and X-ray imaging.

    • Explain the diagnosis in straightforward terms.

    • Discuss the available treatment options.

    • Explain the potential benefits and risks of surgery.

    • Develop an individualised treatment plan with you.

    Private consultations available at:

    • Sunderland

    • Newcastle

    • Durham

    • Morpeth

    • Middlesbrough

    • York

    Operating at Tyneside Surgical Services (Gateshead).

    Named Secretary:
    Natalie Gartland

    natalie@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1010

Dr Hanaa Rajabally

Consultant Rheumatologist
MBBS, MRCP (UK), SCE

  • I am consultant rheumatologist with over 11 years of experience working in the North East. I diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, muscles and bones. This includes inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis, as well as connective tissue diseases like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis, and back pain related to axial spondyloarthritis.

    Alongside these, I have extensive experience managing non-inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud’s phenomenon, tendon problems such as trigger finger, fibromyalgia and joint hypermobility spectrum disorders. I also treat metabolic bone conditions, including osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone.

    I was awarded an academic scholarship to study medicine at Newcastle Medical School, where I graduated in 2009. I completed my foundation training at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, followed by core medical training at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London. I then returned to the North East to undertake my specialist training in rheumatology. During this time, I spent two years at the Freeman Hospital’s Tertiary Rheumatology Unit, where I gained valuable experience in managing complex connective tissue diseases and contributed to research activities.

    I believe in taking a holistic and compassionate approach to treatment. I take time to listen carefully to your concerns and understand how your condition is affecting your day-to-day life. For me, it’s not just about treating a diagnosis, but supporting you as a whole person. My aim is always to work with you to develop a personalised and effective treatment plan that fits your needs.

    To ensure my practice reflects the latest developments in rheumatology, I regularly attend national and international conferences, including meetings held by the British Society for Rheumatology and EULAR.

    Named Secretary:
    Lynn Seymour

    lynn@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1011

Mr Murali Krishnan

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MRCS (Glasgow), FRCS (Tr and Orth)

  • I am a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising exclusively in hip and knee surgery, with a particular focus on joint replacement. I see and treat private patients at Spire Washington Hospital, offering personalised care based on individual needs, lifestyle and treatment goals.

    My practice is centred on delivering high quality, patient focused care, guiding you through all available options, whether surgical or non-surgical. If surgery is recommended, I will explain the procedure clearly and support you through every stage, from initial consultation to recovery.

    I routinely perform hip replacement and knee replacement surgery, including surgery for patients with complex joint problems. I also have extensive experience in revision hip and knee replacement, treating patients who require further surgery following a previous joint replacement. In addition, I manage complex lower limb and pelvic conditions and offer arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery where appropriate.

    I have a special interest in joint replacement in younger patients, as well as complex and revision joint surgery, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain and return to everyday activities.

    I began my private practice at Spire Washington Hospital in 2013 and continue to provide care alongside my NHS consultant role. I offer private consultations at Spire Washington Hospital on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and Friday evenings.

    For further information please visit Mr Krishnan’s website.

    Named Secretary:
    Lynn Seymour

    lynn@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1011

Mr Stephen Green

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Tr & Orth)

  • I am a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon providing specialist care to the people of the Northeast for over 20 years.

    My private practice is based at Spire Washington Hospital. I care for patients from across the North East of England and Cumbria.

    My specialist areas of practice are hip and knee surgery, with particular expertise in arthroplasty (joint replacement) procedures, including complex and revision cases.

    I qualified from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1993 and completed the majority of my medical and orthopaedic training in the Northeast of England. In 2005, I undertook a specialist fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand, where I further developed my expertise in complex hip and knee surgery. Following this, I was appointed as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sunderland Royal Hospital, where I continue to practise alongside my private work at Spire Washington Hospital. My NHS practice at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust includes complex hip and knee replacements, including revision surgery, and complex lower limb trauma surgery.

    My clinical practice covers a wide range of hip and knee conditions. I see patients with painful hip and knee conditions and injuries. I work with the physiotherapy team and radiologists to provide non-operative treatment for painful soft tissue conditions around the hip and knee. I perform hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and knee arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), as well as managing joint pain through tailored treatment plans, including non-surgical options where appropriate.

    I have held a number of leadership roles in the NHS including leadership in Clinical Governance and Patient Safety, and as Clinical Director of the Trauma and Orthopaedic department.

    I am an active member of the British Orthopaedic Association, the British Hip Society and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

    I am engaged as a faculty member on a number of educational courses teaching surgeons specialist skills in hip replacement surgery and trauma surgery.

    Specialises in:

    • Hip pain

    • Hip arthritis

    • Hip replacement surgery

    • Knee pain

    • Knee arthritis

    • Knee replacement surgery

    • Key arthroscopy

    Named Secretary:
    Natalie Gartland

    natalie@orchid-medical.co.uk
    Tel: 0191 920 1010

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lynn for the past year as my private medical secretary. She is organised, reliable, and a great communicator who handles everything efficiently and with a positive attitude. She has been a real asset to my practice, and I’m happy to recommend her without hesitation.”

— MR BALAJI PURUSHOTHAMAN, CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON