Mr David Smith

CLINICAL PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE

Mr David Smith is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon with extensive experience in the diagnosis, management and surgical treatment of both benign and malignant colorectal disease. Following Higher Surgical Training on the Manchester Rotation, he completed an Ethicon-sponsored Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, developing specialist expertise in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.

His  practice encompasses robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, complex colorectal polyps, anorectal disorders and emergency general surgery. He maintains a high-volume elective and emergency surgical practice alongside an extensive endoscopy service, performing more than 500 colonoscopies annually. He is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care, utilising enhanced recovery principles and the latest surgical innovations to optimise outcomes.

In addition to his clinical practice, he has significant leadership experience, serving as Clinical Director since 2022 and Clinical Lead for General Surgery. These roles include strategic service
development, clinical governance, quality improvement, workforce leadership and supporting the delivery of high-quality surgical services.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

Mr Smith's principal clinical interests include colorectal cancer surgery, robotic and advanced laparoscopiccolorectal surgery, Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), complex colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). He has a strong interest in surgical innovation, the implementation of new technologies and service redesign to improve patient outcomes, safety and efficiency.

TEACHING AND TRAINING

Mr Smith is passionate about surgical education and has extensive experience teaching and mentoringmedical students, foundation doctors, core surgical trainees and higher surgical trainees. As an accredited endoscopy trainer and member of the Health Education North West Higher Surgical Training Committee, he contributes to curriculum development, trainee assessment and the delivery of high-quality surgical education. His commitment to training has been recognised through the Health Education North West Excellence in Training Award.

MEDICOLEGAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

Mr Smith is an experienced Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing independent medicolegal opinion across the full spectrum of colorectal and general surgical practice. He accepts
instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors, preparing impartial, evidence-based expert reports in accordance with CPR Part 35 and his overriding duty to the Court. He completes 75-100 reports per year. His medicolegal work encompasses the assessment of breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis, together with the review of clinical records, witness statements and relevant imaging or investigations. He is recognised for producing clear, balanced and well-reasoned reports that are delivered within agreed timescales and supported by current evidence and accepted clinical practice.

Areas of expertise include:

• colorectal cancer
• elective & emergency general surgery
• bowel injury
• anastomotic leak
• inflammatory bowel disease
• diverticular disease
• anorectal conditions
• colorectal polyps
• endoscopy and colonoscopy-related complications
• delayed diagnosis
• surgical decision-making
• peri-operative management
• post-operative complications
• consent
• clinical governance and standards of surgical care
• post-operative complications
• consent
• clinical governance and standards of surgical care

As an active NHS Consultant with a high-volume elective and emergency practice, Mr Smith maintains contemporary knowledge of current surgical techniques, national guidance and evolving standards of care. His experience as Clinical Director and Clinical Lead for General Surgery provides additional expertise in clinical governance, patient safety, service delivery and organisational decision-making, enabling him to offer informed opinions on both individual patient management and wider systems of care. He is committed to delivering objective, independent and authoritative expert evidence, providing clear and robust opinions that assist the Court while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and clinical excellence.

GMC No: 6028271; Clinic: ICO: ZA429032