Mr Robin Bhatia MA(Oxon) PhD FRCS(SN) is a Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon with a dedicated practice at The Great Western Hospital NHS Trust and The Ridgeway Hospital. He also holds an Honorary Consultant position at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. His work focuses entirely on the diagnosis and treatment of spinal problems, particularly those caused by wear and tear - the most common cause of chronic back and neck pain.

Mr Bhatia studied medicine at Exeter College, University of Oxford, followed by clinical training at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical Schools in London. He qualified as a doctor in 2000, earned a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences in 2010, and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2011.

Mr. Bhatia is a highly experienced Consultant Spinal Surgeon with a career dedicated to the comprehensive care of spinal conditions. He qualified in medicine in 2000 and soon developed a deep interest in the complexities of neurosurgery. His passion for advancing clinical knowledge led him to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Neurosciences in 2010, reflecting his commitment to research-driven, evidence-based care.

In 2011, Mr. Bhatia was awarded the Neurosurgical Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, a mark of distinction in his field. He then undertook the prestigious North London Complex Spinal Fellowship, training at both The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. This intensive fellowship provided him with advanced expertise in managing complex spinal disorders.

Since then, Mr. Bhatia has devoted his practice exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions. His approach combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with a compassionate, patient-focused ethos. Mr. Bhatia is committed to delivering the highest standard of care tailored to each individual

“Too many people suffer from chronic spine pain. It’s one of the most debilitating problems in society. My goal is to help people overcome it. We must never give up—working together as a team is the best way forward.”  - Mr Bhatia

Mr Bhatia is the Lead Spinal Surgeon at The Great Western Hospital and Chair of the Spinal Multidisciplinary Team, which meets regularly to review and plan treatment for complex spinal cases. This means that if you're under his care, your condition will benefit from the combined expertise of a team of specialists - ensuring you receive the safest, most effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Despite running a busy spinal practice, Mr Bhatia remains deeply committed to his patients. He takes pride in delivering high-quality, compassionate care and is known for making patients feel informed, reassured, and confident in their treatment journey.

Outside of work, he enjoys keeping fit, spending time with his family, watching snooker, and taking part in pub quizzes - bringing the same focus and curiosity to his personal life as he does to his medical practice.

Diagnosing and treating spine pain 

Back pain and neck pain are probably the most debilitating afflictions in society. The spine is a complicated organ and there are different ‘pain-generating regions’. Mr Bhatia's approach is to take a full clinical history of your symptoms, examine for any neurological deficit and then request dedicated imaging. 

MRI is a really sensitive way to define spinal anatomy. It can be reassuring to patients. Interpreted correctly, it can direct treatment. Mr Bhatia believes in an integrated approach to the management of spine pain, incorporating different disciplines like physiotherapy, pain management and sometimes spinal surgery. 

Spinal steroid injections can be useful. They are daycase procedures under local anaesthetic. Primarily diagnostic, they can give longer term relief if carried out alongside a dedicated programme of physiotherapy, Mr Bhatia calls this a synergistic effect of two different treatments, for example patients report that they can engage with the physiothearpy exercises more comfortably after a spinal steroid injection. The MRI scan can direct him to the correct site to inject. Steroid injections can take between 2 and 6 weeks to take effect, sometimes even longer. If it does not help then that is also useful information, and we can move on to other possible pain generators.

The role of spinal surgery

Mr Bhatia believes in leaving spinal surgery as a last resort but appreciates it can positively transform people’s lives. Yes its higher risk compared to other types of surgery, but his job is to take you through this process and support you throughout.  Some of the best outcomes are when you decompress the spinal nerve roots to help sciatica; or the spinal cord to help prevent paralysis; or fuse the spine when there is instability or deformity. 

Mr Bhatia and his team are doing more and more daycase operations (meaning you get home the same day you come in) testament to the advances in minimal access techniques, improved anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia. He uses a sophisticated image guidance system to navigate screws and there is a role for robotics too to enhance accuracy and patient safety.

Having encountered everything from traumatic spinal injuries to life-threatening tumours, Mr Bhatia finds spinal surgery immensely rewarding. “Preventing paralysis or simply helping someone live life pain-free -these are the most meaningful outcomes of my work,” he says. “Knowing I’ve improved someone’s quality of life, especially in life-changing cases, is what drives me.” 

Patient Feedback

• "I have not felt this comfortable and pain free for many years, and would readily put myself into his care at any time in the future. I can now get back to enjoying life again"
• "I would happily recommend him to anyone having to go through surgery he could not have done any more  than he did I will remember him for his kindness  and compassion  it was great to see him after six weeks to report I am now pain free  and that he has given me my quality of life back."
• "4 weeks after my surgery, my back felt strong enough to continue my running and training, and the incision had healed so well it was hardly noticeable."
• "The day after surgery I was practically back to my old self. I only needed a small amount of meds for a week and then off them completely. My scar is neat and healed well. I felt that Mr Bhatia really cared about me and almost like I was his only patient (even though I know he has a lot). I’m so grateful I feel like I have my life back and would highly recommend him to everyone. He helped me so much. He is a gentleman, a kind soul and just amazing’"
• "His surgical skills are self evident as after two years of impinged spinal nerves my pain has gone and i can now look forward to a normal life."
• "The result from the surgery has given me my life back and cannot thank him enough. I was in constant pain which stopped completely after the skill of the surgeon. I was also given fantastic care by all the nursing and care staff."

• Spinal Neurosurgery
• Spinal degenerative disease
• Back pain and neck pain treatment
• Lumbar spine degenerative disease
• Cervical degenerative disease
• Cervical myelopathy
• Herniated disc: sciatica/radiculopathy
• Lumbar canal stenosis
• Spinal trauma and spinal cord injury Intradural spinal pathology
• Spinal tumours
• Spinal instability and spondylolisthesis
• Failed back syndrome and revision spine surgery
• Coccydynia
• Adult scoliosis/kyphosis
• Inflammatory spinal disease e.g. rheumatoid disease Infective spinal pathologies
• Chiari malformation and syringomyelia

• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Surgical Neurology): FRCS(SN)
• Member of the British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS)
• Chair of the Great Western Hospital Spinal Multidisciplinary Team
• Chair of Trauma and Orthopaedic Governance committee