We offer a wide range of private appointments, treatment, and surgery. To find out more about how we can help please select the area you are interested in from the list below or contact us using the simple online form at the bottom of the page.

Our private Consultant Cardiologists offer private consultations, investigations and treatments including:

• A full range of investigations such as echocardiogram and 24-hour tape
• Cardioversion
• Pacemaker and defibrillator
• Angiogram and angioplasty.

Dr Mo Sahebjalal

Dr Sahebjalal completed his undergraduate medical training at University College London in 2008 and started working at Royal Surrey Hospital. He obtained MRCP in 2011 achieving one of the highest grades nationally before deciding to specialise in cardiology. He started his cardiology training in Wessex and completed prestigious fellowships in advance interventional cardiology at University Southampton Hospital as well as Dorset Heart Centre. Dr Sahebjalal was appointed as an Interventional Consultant Cardiologist at Musgrove Park Hospital in 2017 making him one of the youngest Interventional Consultants in the UK. Dr Sahebjalal has successfully treated many patients with coronary artery disease with angioplasty including complex coronary artery diseases needing advance techniques such as Laser and rotablation as well as treating vessels which have been occluded for many years. Education and training is another one of his passions and he has been actively involved in training other doctors for many years. He has set up and co-ordinated a number of courses as well as educational meetings and has been a faculty member at British Cardiac Society conferences. He has written several articles and book chapters in his field including a book chapter in The Interventional Cardiology Training Manual and Oxford Textbook of Interventional Cardiology. He undertakes a range of cardiac procedures including coronary angiography, Coronary angioplasty with stent implantation, DC cardioversion, interpretation of echocardiogram as well as cardiac monitoring. He is experienced in valvular heart disease and regularly looks after patients with this condition.

Gastroenterology at Parkside, provides comprehensive care for patients with disorders and diseases related to the digestive system; this includes the upper and lower gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, liver, gall bladder and pancreas.

Dr Daniel Pearl

I was appointed as a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Physician in 2013 at Musgrove Park Hospital and have a full time NHS contract. Prior to this I completed 5 years of specialist gastroenterology training in the Wessex region. During my training I took 3 years out of programme to conduct scientific work to analyse the link between cellular lipid chemistry (which is influenced by diet) and inflammatory bowel disease activity, my PhD was awarded in 2014 for this work. Since taking up my consultant post, my focus has been on delivering safe and high quality endoscopy, developing advanced endoscopic skills and bringing new innovations into my endoscopic practice. I am an accredited bowel cancer screening colonoscopist, a certification which is a marker of a high quality. Capsule Colonoscopy has recently been introduced as an alternative to colonoscopy or CT colon. I have passed an accredited training programme to specialise in this technique. My management roles include Director of the Somerset bowel cancer screening programme, clinical lead for the capsule endoscopy service and clinical nutrition lead (shared role). I am also an active member of the clinical ethics team for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and have developed a specialist interest in complex clinical nutrition disorders and clinically assisted nutrition. In addition to my specialist roles and interests, general gastroenterology and liver issues form the bedrock of my clinical practice. Areas of interest: colonoscopy; gastroscopy; nasal gastroscopy; capsule endoscopy; capsule colonoscopy; luminal Gastroenterology; hepatology; inflammatory bowel disease; anaemia; cancer; bowel cancer screening; colon polyp management / surveillance including advanced EMR; nutrition; pancreatic failure; intestinal failure; pancreatitis; irritable bowel syndrome; diarrhoea / constipation; abdominal pain; indigestion and gastro-oesophageal reflux; nutritional complications of bariatric surgery; coeliac disease; malabsorption; gastro-intestinal feeding tubes. Offers video and telephone consultations.

Parkside offers a range of general surgery including access to leading experts in laparoscopic (Keyhole) surgery. This includes:

• Inguinal hernia repair (open and laparoscopic)
• Umbilical hernia repair
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)
• Haemorrhoid surgery (criteria dependent)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy.

Mr Paul Mackey

Mr Mackey qualified from Southampton Medical School in 1992, followed by a broad general surgical training in a variety of posts, including the South West, and in Queensland, Australia. His M thesis was awarded for research looking at the role of childbirth in the development of faecal incontinence and ano-rectal dysfunction, and he has gained extensive experience in this area. His specialist training was undertaken in Wales, followed by a year in a teaching hospital in Sydney as a Colorectal Fellow. He is experienced in the treatment of all aspects of colorectal disease, but areas of particular expertise include the laparoscopic approach to the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions affecting the colon and rectum, and the surgical treatment of benign conditions of the anorectum. Mr Mackey has a very active role in training advanced surgical techniques to colorectal trainees, and since September 2023, he has been named the Clinical Lead for Parkside Private Patient Unit. Patients who require a private appointment with Mr Mackey can expect to be seen within one to two weeks.

Private cataract surgery

Private cataract surgery is now available via Parkside Private Patient Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital. Our experienced consultants are here to offer their advice on the best treatment for you. We will make sure you are well informed at all times and that you are offered the very best standards of care.

Appointments are available for pre-assessment and after your operation. All of our cataract surgery procedures take place in the new Ophthalmic Theatre Suite at Musgrove Park Hospital offers state of the art technology and comfortable surroundings.

Safe, professional private cataract surgery at an established hospital

Receive the professional care you expect from a private hospital and get added peace of mind because you will know your treatment is being delivered within the supporting structure of an established NHS hospital. We will always be here to support you when you need us.

Information about cataract surgery and what we offer

When is cataract surgery recommended?

As you get into older age it is normal to have minor cloudiness of the lens. However significant cloudiness or cataracts can slowly worsen and at this point surgery to remove the damaged lens is the only way to restore your normal vision. In many cases it is not necessary to have cataract surgery if your vision is not significantly affected. For example, if you are still able to carry out everyday tasks like reading and recognising faces without significant difficulty.

What is involved in the cataract operation?

In comparison to many other surgical procedures cataract surgery is relatively straightforward. The full procedure will typically take between 30 and 45 minutes. You will be given a local anaesthetic, which means you will recover faster and be able to go home on the same day as the operation. The surgery involves removing the damaged lens from your eye. When the lens has been removed, the surgeon inserts a small plastic lens, called an intraocular implant, also known as an intraocular lens. Once the procedure is complete you are taken to a ward so you can recover before leaving the hospital later that day.

Where will the procedure take place?

You will have a pre-assessment appointment with your consultant in the Eye Clinic at Musgrove Park Hospital and if you require a cataract operation you will be operated on in the Ophthalmic Theatre Suite at Musgrove Park Hospital. Follow-up appointments will usually be held in the Eye Clinic too.

Mr Abdul El-Khayat

Mr El-Khayat is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based at the Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. He studied medicine at the University of Bristol and completed seven years of Ophthalmic surgical training in the East Midlands. He went on to complete two vitreoretinal surgery fellowships in Leicester and the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, one of the largest eye units in the UK. Mr El-Khayat specialises in:

• Cataract surgery including complex cases and premium lens implants (to reduce astigmatism and the need for glasses)
• Posterior capsule opacification treatment with YAG laser
• Medical retinal treatments (laser and eye injections) for age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and macular oedema
• Surgical retina treatments (vitrectomy and laser) for epi-retinal membranes, macular holes, floaters, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy
• General ophthalmology.

Mr El-Khayat has an interest in Education and is currently the Clinical Teaching Lead for Medical Students in the Ophthalmology Department at Musgrove Park Hospital. He is also a clinical and educational supervisor for ophthalmic specialty trainees. Mr El-Khayat has published research papers on retinal detachment and cataract surgery in reputable journals. Year fist qualified: 2009 Languages spoken: English, Arabic Professional registrations: General Medical Council (ophthalmology specialist register), Royal College of Ophthalmologists, British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons.

Mr Edward Herbert MA MB BChir FRCOphth

Mr Herbert studied medicine at Cambridge University, achieving a 1st class degree. He trained in Ophthalmology in Cambridge and Liverpool, completing his training with fellowships in Surgical and Medical Retina at St Thomas’ and Moorfields Hospitals, London. He has extensive experience in small incision cataract surgery and can offer premium lenses to reduce astigmatism and the need for reading glasses. Mr Herbert set up the macular degeneration service in Taunton and received the national award for Clinical Service Excellence from the Macular Society in 2018. Mr Herbert is very experienced in vitreo-retinal surgery, treating conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and complications of diabetes. Specialties: Small Incision Cataract Surgery, Vitrectomy for macular hole, epiretinal membrane and retinal detachment, YAG laser capsulotomy, Retinal Laser.

Mr Adam Hustler MBBS FRCOphth

Mr Adam Hustler is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with a special interest in glaucoma and cataract surgery at Musgrove Park Hospital. Mr Hustler qualified in 2000 from St Bartholomew’s and The Royal London School of Medicine (University of London). He completed specialist training in ophthalmology, undertaken in London and Wessex, in 2013 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He undertook a sub specialist fellowship in glaucoma at Moorfields Eye Hospital before joining Kingston Hospital, Surrey in 2014 as a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon where he was the Clinical Lead for glaucoma care. He moved to Musgrove Park Hospital in 2020. Mr Hustler is an experienced cataract surgeon. He has performed thousands of successful cataract operations and is proficient in performing complex cataract surgery as well as YAG laser capsulotomy. Mr Hustler is also an experienced glaucoma specialist providing comprehensive glaucoma care employing the latest medical and surgical treatments, including trabeculectomy with antimetabolites, drainage tubes, laser iridotomy and SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty).

Mrs Justyna D. Hustler MD FEBO

Mrs Justyna D. Hustler is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Musgrove Park Hospital. She is a general ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in cataract surgery. Mrs Hustler is on the GMC Specialist Register for Ophthalmology. The majority of her training took place at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. She completed a research fellowship in glaucoma, in Switzerland and undertook a two-year sub specialist surgical fellowship in cataract surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire. She is a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology. Mrs Hustler is an experienced general ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon who provides cataract surgery, including toric intra ocular lenses to correct astigmatism and laser treatments including YAG laser capsulotomy.

Mr Jonathan Park MB ChB (Hons) BSc (Hons) FRCOphth

I am an experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeon who has been working as a permanent consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital and the Nuffield, Taunton since 2015. I qualified as a doctor in 2005 from the University of Bristol with honours. I completed comprehensive ophthalmology training in the UK to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 2012. I subsequently completed an internationally respected fellowship at the University of Toronto before settling in Somerset in 2015. I specialise in cataract surgery (with premium lens implants) and provide cataract surgery for simple cases, complex cases and cases where the eye also has a retinal problem. Premium lens implants allow the reduction of astigmatism (with toric lens implants) and reduce the need for glasses (with extended depth of focus lens implants – the new generation of multi-focal lens implants). I also specialise in providing YAG laser capsulotomy treatment. This clears the misty capsule in patients who have previously had cataract surgery. In addition to cataract surgery, I am also a retinal specialist and provide vitrectomy surgery (for macular hole, epi-retinal membranes, and floaters) and surgery for cataract surgery related complications. I also provide intra-vitreal eye injections for medical retinal problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion and diabetic eye disease. Please visit my website for more information on my profile, reviews from patients, treatments I provide and how for how to contact me, please use link to my website.

Mr Indy Sian (FRCOphth, Cert LRS)

Having completed dual training in Ophthalmology and Optometry he undertook advanced specialisation in cataract surgery, complex corneal and external eye disease, corneal transplantation and refractive laser eye surgery at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. Mr Sian is certified by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists for Refractive surgery and holds the Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (Cert LRS). In his role as an NHS Consultant Mr Sian conducts high volume cataract surgery and is the corneal and external eye disease lead clinician receiving referrals from across the region. Mr Sian is passionate about improving vision and helping patients reach their visual potential. With his optometric background, knowledge of refraction and postgraduate qualifications in cataract and refractive surgery he is able to discuss and tailor each individual’s eye care requirements.

Our expert orthopaedic consultants offer a range of private surgery and treatment for patients including:

• Total hip replacement
• Hip arthroscopy
• Total knee replacement
• Knee arthroscopy (criteria dependent)
• Total shoulder replacement
• Arthroscopic sub acromial decompression (criteria dependent)
• Rotator cuff repair
• Carpal tunnel release (criteria dependent)
• Trigger finger release (criteria dependent)
• Dupuytren’s fasciectomy (criteria dependent)
• ACL reconstruction
• Excision of ganglion (criteria dependent)
• Hallux valgus correction (bunion)
• Injection under X-ray.

Mr Ben Bolland

Mr Ben Bolland has been an Orthopaedic Consultant at The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust now for 10 years and offers private patient consultations from Parkside Private Patient Unit which is located in a quiet area within the grounds of Musgrove Park Hospital. Having previously completed his Orthopaedic training within the Wessex region. Ben has developed a specific interest in hip and knee primary and revision arthroplasty, trauma, and related research. Prior to this he completed his undergraduate training at St Mary’s Hospital, London. He consolidated this interest via two fellowships in Exeter and Bournemouth. Recently, he has led the elective recovery at Musgrove Park introducing Day Case Hip & Knee Replacements, the success of which has resulted in acknowledgment from the central government body NHS England. In addition to the hip and knee primary and revision arthroplasty work, Ben has a strong interest in teaching both trainees and consultants. He has run a cemented hip course for trainees and a revision / masterclass hip and knee meeting for consultants both in the UK and worldwide. This pushes him to always try to keep up to date with latest research and developments and provides variation to his clinical job. Other roles include – Committee member of the British Hip Society and Committee member for Beyond Compliance (government driven organization to assess and monitor introduction of new hip and knee implants). Outside work he is a strong family man, married with 3 children. In his own time, he enjoys an active outside life with his family.

Mr Anthony Gough

Mr. Gough is a trauma & orthopaedic consultant with a special interest in hand, wrist, and peripheral nerve surgery. Appointed as a consultant in 2020 at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, his practice covers musculoskeletal, soft tissue and nerve problems relating to the hand, wrist, and elbow. My trauma and orthopaedic specialist training was based in Devon & Cornwall gaining hand surgery experience at all the hospitals I worked in. At the end of my training, I undertook a nationally appointed and highly competitive Advanced Interface Fellowship at the University of Birmingham Hospitals, the largest ortho-plastic hand unit in the United Kingdom. After a year in Birmingham, I then secured a second fellowship at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff to learn arthroscopic wrist techniques and advanced wrist fracture surgery. During my fellowship training I completed the British Diploma in Hand Surgery run by the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. I have an interest in Medical Leadership and was awarded a bursary by the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association to attend the British Orthopaedic Association Future Leaders Programme. The fellowship lasted 12 months, exploring medical leadership techniques and experiences from national experts. I have also completed a Postgraduate Master’s degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Bath. This helped combine my extracurricular passion for sport and previous high level playing with my professional interest in sports injuries. As a dual fellowship trained hand and wrist surgeon, I treat all conditions that effect the hand and wrist up to the elbow. This can involve directed therapy with hand therapy colleagues, injections, or surgery. Common operations that I perform include but are not limited to; carpal tunnel decompression, surgery for hand or wrist arthritis including joint replacements, Dupuytren’s contracture procedures (fasciectomy, skin grafts and minimally invasive needle fasciotomy), cubital tunnel release, ganglion surgery and removal of lumps. Procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, regional anaesthetic, or general anaesthetic – whatever is the safest and most appropriate for the surgery to be performed and achieve the best pain relief or functional result from surgery.

Mr Andrew Kelly

I have been a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon since 1999 in a District General Hospital serving a population of 340,000. I have general experience in all aspects of the investigation, non-operative treatment and surgery of musculoskeletal trauma and orthopaedic conditions. My elective practice is about two thirds adult Foot and Ankle and a third Knee (soft tissue and primary arthroplasty). I am competent in the techniques of joint replacement, arthrodesis, and osteotomies for foot deformity. My special interests are arthroscopic surgery of the ankle and knee. Prior to my present appointment, I used an overseas Fellowships to augment my UK orthopaedic training in adult foot and ankle surgery and general trauma at Flinders Medical Centre, a tertiary referral trauma centre for half the State of South Australia. This period emphasised the surgery of adult forefoot and hindfoot deformity. My second Fellowship was at SPORTSMED.SA, an independent multi-disciplinary Sports Medicine & surgery practice with world leading training and research reputation. I am regularly involved in the education of medical students, basic and higher surgical trainees, and allied professions. Membership of the AO Faculty provides a highly structured teaching environment and ensures that I remain up to date in the rapidly developing field of Trauma surgery. Convened first South West AO modular Principles of Fracture Fixation for ORP Course. UK Faculty for BOFAS Principles Course and Royal College of Surgeons Basic Surgical Techniques Courses. I have completed a Training the Trainers Course and have given invited lectures for international meetings, Regional Orthopaedic Training Programmes and for postgraduate medical and orthopaedic courses. I have been Clinical Tutor for Orthopaedic Higher Surgical Training, Honorary Clinical Lecturer for the Bristol undergraduate Musculoskeletal course. In order to achieve a higher level of scientific evidence, I have in recent years prioritised collaboration in multi-centre trials over own account clinical research. In addition to the daily administration of clinical practice, I regularly participate in the wider managerial aspects of the service:

• Clinical Service Lead 2011-2014
• Royal College of Surgeons of England Assessor for Advisory Committee on Consultant appointments
• Orthopaedic Theatres Radiation Protection Supervisor
• Somerset Podiatry Services Review, which resulted in a revised service specification and improved contractual arrangements.
• A collaborative pathway for the early discharge to designated Community hospital rehabilitation units after joint replacement.
• Retendering exercise for Orthotic Services
• Development of Musculoskeletal Triage Service based within a Primary Care Trust
• Preoperative Assessment Group
• Productive Orthopaedic Theatre Committee.

Scans, diagnostic imaging, and x-rays

We offer a wide range of private scans, diagnostic imaging, and x-rays. Our hospital is located in Taunton, which makes us easily accessible to patients across Somerset, North Somerset, and Devon.

Our scans, diagnostic imaging and x-rays are conducted by our consultant radiologists and expert sonographers. Your GP, Physiotherapist or healthcare professional may refer you for a scan to help them recommend the correct course of treatment for you. Our team will complete the required scan and provide an initial report to explain the findings.

For general enquiries please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Scans available to private patients

• MRI scans
• Ultrasound scans
• CT scans
• Plain X-rays
• DXA Body Composition Scan.

CT scans

CT is short for Computerised Tomography; these scans are specially designed to capture images of your body. A CT scanner uses a computer to present cross sections of your body and internal organs for a specialist to review. Please note you cannot refer yourself for a CT scan, you must be referred to us by your GP or medical practitioner.

MRI scan

MRI scans are specially designed to capture images of your body or internal organs. Your GP or a medical specialist may refer you to have an MRI scan to help them better understand your condition and to help them provide you with the right course of treatment.

An MRI scan can be used for a variety of reasons, including imaging:

• Bone and joint injuries
• Brain and spine
• Liver and pelvic structures.

Ultrasound scans

Your GP, physiotherapist or health professional can refer you for an ultrasound scan. All our scans are performed by Consultant Radiologists (Specialist doctors in medical imaging and diagnostics).

Costs

For updated costs for radiology, please visit our costs and payment page.

Respiratory provides comprehensive care for patients with respiratory disorders.

Dr Justin Pepperell

Dr Justin Pepperell MBBChir MA DA FRCP MD has been a full time NHS Consultant Respiratory Physician at Musgrove and The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for 20 years. In particular an increase in presentations with chronic cough, unexplainable breathlessness, and chest pains. Insomnia and sleep disruption have also increased as a result. Dr Pepperell receives referrals from the whole of the South West for a range of symptoms commonly breathlessness, cough, wheeze, or chest pain from all the common diseases including Asthma, COPD, lung fibrosis and cancers etc. An assessment at Parkside can include spirometry if needed and oxygen monitoring of limited exercise to see if the lungs are getting oxygen into the system. Dr Pepperell is a specialist in snoring and sleep disorders and supervises a full range of sleep laboratory investigations for sleep apnoea, insomnia, and more complex parasomnias. Other investigations can be arranged as needed through Somerset NHS Foundation trust on a private basis including bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy, drainage of the pleural cavity, complex lung function, respiratory muscle strength and measures of airway inflammation, cardiopulmonary exercise tests and overnight sleep studies. More information about the range of disorders seen can be found on Dr Pepperell’s website www.thelunggroup.co.uk.

Spinal services provided by Parkside private patients ward.

Mr Dushan Thavarajah

Dushan is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon. Dushan completed his medical degree at University College London medical school 2006. He undertook his trauma and orthopaedic specialist training in the Wessex Deanery, working in all of the spinal surgery units in the Wessex area. Subsequently, Dushan has completed complex spinal surgery fellowships in Hong Kong, Southampton, Exeter, and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. He was awarded the British Association of Spine Surgeons and British Scoliosis Society President’s travelling fellowship to visit spinal centres including Bristol, Plymouth, Oxford, and Stoke Mandeville. Dushan is fully trained in all aspects of adult and paediatric spinal surgery and provides expert individualised spinal care, using the latest techniques. Dushan is an NHS Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton and Somerset NHS foundation trust, where he provides both acute and elective spinal care to adults and children. He is also Visiting Consultant Spinal Surgeon States of Health, Jersey. Special interests Degenerative spine (discectomy, decompression, fusion), trauma (fracture stabilisation), deformity (kyphosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis – correction and stabilisation), tumour (stabilisation). Other interests Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, anterior lumbar spine surgery, cervical disc replacement, vertebroplasty, spinal injections. Personal interests Dushan is married to Hannah, a care of the elderly doctor. He enjoys keeping fit particularly running, road cycling and skiing in the winter. He is also learning how to kite surf which has taken him to some great locations!

Vascular at Parkside delivers vascular services with diseases affecting the vascular system, including diseases of the arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels.

Mr James Coulston

Mr Coulston is a Vascular, Endovascular and General Surgical Consultant at the Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Mr Coulston trained in the Southwest following undergraduate training at the University of Wales, College of Medicine. He obtained the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Vascular Society Fellowship and undertook this at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. He specialises in aortic, carotid, and lower limb arterial surgery and minimally invasive varicose vein treatments. Mr Coulston is an Associate Medical Director within Somerset Foundation Trust and the National Clinical Advisor for Patient Safety with NHS England. He runs an education company, Momus Safety, specialising in safety and human factors education and consultancy. Mr Coulston specialises in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and arterial disease (Peripheral vascular disease, aortic and carotid disease) Treatments and tests offered:

• Skin grafts for leg ulcers
• Foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
• Thread vein treatment (sclerotherapy)
• Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins
• Carotid endarterectomy, Aortic aneurysm, lower leg arterial bypass surgery
• Varicose vein stripping.