Jeremy is a consultant surgeon with a particular interest in hepato-pancreato-biliary, transplants and retroperitoneal sarcomas (a type of cancer found deep in the abdomen and pelvic area).
Since starting his career as a junior doctor at the Freeman Hospital in 1996, Jeremy has never left the North East and he now specialises in robotic surgery which he first experienced as a senior house officer and immediately became hooked.
Jeremy’s involvement in the series
Jeremy makes an appearance on two episodes of Geordie Hospital, firstly operating on a patient facing her second major cancer surgery in a year.
In another episode, we follow him repairing 76-year-old Ray’s enormous hernia and he reflects on his own fight back to fitness after surgery helped him become a better surgeon.
Did you enjoy filming?
“I loved it. Maybe that is my part as a surgeon being in the theatre! Also my sister, who is a teacher, is in amateur dramatics and has put on many productions – so maybe it is in my blood!!”
The film crew were brilliant and made me feel at ease. I was actually introducing other surgeons from the directorate to the production team and they started asking me questions and then asked me if I want to take part. Maybe I just had a story to tell? Maybe it was my brilliant jokes!
I felt it was important to show a positive portrayal of the hospital and was very honoured to contribute.”
What do you like about robotic surgery?
“This area of surgery is extremely complex. It ranges from taking out huge tumours with multi visceral (multi organ) resections, to very precise technical aspects of transplantation.
I find the addition of robotics makes surgery extremely challenging and rewarding.
Why do you enjoy working at Newcastle Hospitals?
“It has a ‘can do’ culture. It is innovative and the staff are tremendous to work with. It meet challenges head on with a solution based attitude and I think that the people of the North East appreciate this specialist centre.”
What do you do in your spare time?
When he’s not under the theatre lights, Jeremy loves spending time with his family – his wife who is a GP and his daughter Scarlett, 11 and son Sebastian, 9.
He enjoys playing all sports, specifically tennis, and he likes keeping fit by running and going to the gym and long walks with the family.
What would you say to someone who was interested in pursuing a similar career here?
“The organisation is committed to developing and training staff. It wants staff to flourish. The organisation will be committed to the staff if the staff are committed to the organisation.
“There are so many opportunities. Healthcare is all about team work.
“This series depicts the full team ranging from support services to the consultants.”
