Mr Robert Brightwell
Consultant Vascular Surgeon
MD, FRCS
My commitment to vascular surgery is stronger today than ever. I enjoy the attention to detail required to diagnose the conditions that I treat, as well as formulating and executing bespoke treatment plans for all my patients.
I always ensure that my patients benefit from my highly-specialised training. After graduating from Southampton I undertook my basic surgical training in East Anglia before moving to London. There I undertook research for my Doctorate in Medicine from Imperial College London - sponsored by The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Stroke Association. Thereafter I completed my specialist training in vascular surgery at national and international centres of excellence, including The Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital in Queensland, Australia.
As a ‘next generation’ vascular surgeon I have honed my skills in managing venous and arterial disease. I am therefore excellently placed to offer up-to-the-minute management in all vascular disorders including:
Varicose veins – One-stop diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and their complications. Procedures are frequently performed on a walk-in walk-out basis.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – I am a proponent of minimally-invasive surgery (EVAR). Applying modern techniques, my patients rarely stay in hospital more than 1 night following this procedure.
Carotid disease – Surgery may be performed to lower the risk of stroke in selected cases. I perform this on a short stay basis.
Vascular reconstruction – I am delighted to offer my patients both endovascular options (angioplasty, stenting) and bypass.
Treatment information
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Mr Robert Brightwell at Spire include:
Other treatments
General surgery, vascular medicine and endovascular surgery
Get in touch
Important information about COVID-19 tests
COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Norwich Hospital.
Additional information
Clinical interests
Vascular medicine
Endovascular surgery
Qualification and professional memberships
Professional memberships
Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England
Vascular Society of Great Britain & Ireland – Ordinary Member
European Society of Vascular Surgery – Ordinary Member
British Society of Endovascular Therapy - Founding member
International Society of Vascular Surgery – Ordinary Member
Research and publications
Ongoing research involving international collaboration has resulted in multiple international presentations and publications on subjects including simulation in vascular surgery, end-organ damage caused by vascular intervention, biomarkers for the detection of stroke, and surgical technology. I am the Principle Investigator at NNUH for the UK LEAP study with the aim of improving the safety of patients undergoing aortic surgery.
Current NHS posts
Consultant Vascular Surgeon – Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Personal profile
I am married to a hard-working paediatrician and am lucky to have a young son and younger daughter. We enjoy time spent outside and I include gardening, cycling, sailing, shooting and skiing among my hobbies.
As an East Anglian farmers’ son I am delighted to return ‘home’. I love the region’s landscape, people and produce. I look forward to many years of happy service to the region.
Contact information
| Telephone | 01603 255 614 |
| Private secretary | Linda Harris |
| Private secretary telephone | 07791 066157 |
| Private secretary email | linda.harris@norfolkvascularservices.co.uk |