More than 300 patients have already been seen at a new spinal outpatient clinic in South Somerset.
The clinic, based at Yeovil Hospital and launched in May 2025, marks the first time in a generation that spinal care has been available at the site.
It is led by consultant surgeon Alex Goubran and takes place every Wednesday in the hospital’s general outpatients department.
Mr Goubran said: "Our spinal service is proving really popular with our patients from Yeovil and the surrounding area.
"Many people told us they were surprised and relieved at being able to access this care much closer to home.
"We always try to ensure that patients referred from the Yeovil area can have the majority of their appointments at their local hospital where possible, which has made a real difference to their experience.
"We’re covering more ground, improving how we review outpatients, while making care more accessible for local people."
In its first year, the clinic has held nearly 40 sessions, providing care to patients both in the clinic and during hospital ward rounds.
The service is part of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Mr Goubran added that being able to run a spinal service across both acute hospitals in Somerset is a real game changer.
He said: "While all spinal operations in Somerset currently take place at Musgrove Park Hospital, we’d ideally love to expand the service at Yeovil in the future – potentially in an operating suite or theatre, as well as facilities for spinal injections.
"We want to thank colleagues at Yeovil Hospital for being so welcoming to us, especially fellow consultant Mr Matt Hall, department manager Helen Murray and senior manager Cara O’Keefe, all of whom have been very supportive."
Share