Award for life-changing spinal surgeon

A consultant spinal surgeon whose care transformed a mum’s life has received a Patient Choice Award.

Miltiadis Georgiopoulos was nominated by Tamara Inglis who now lives pain free after years on strong medication.

“It’s 100 per cent changed my life,” said the 52-year-old nurse of the surgery which took place at Morriston Hospital.

“I was so heavily medicated and in pain, my life didn’t exist.

“My children are 16 and 14 now. And, after the surgery, their mum came back to them.”

Tamara, from Ammanford, who has many years of experience as a nurse and midwife, had undergone a previous surgery with another surgeon for debilitating neck and arm problems, but it had failed to ease the pain.

She said: “Given that this was my second surgery, I approached it with significant anxiety.

“But Mr Georgiopoulos demonstrates exceptional compassion and professionalism. During clinic appointments, he takes the time to listen attentively, never rushing through consultations. He ensures that every aspect of the procedure is thoroughly explained, addressing all questions with clarity and reassurance.”

Tamara underwent cervical spinal surgery in December 2024.

Also praising the anaesthetist and the wider surgical team, she said she has not looked back since that day.

Tamara and her mum Denise Swinford, who attended every hospital appointment with her daughter, were at Morriston Hospital to see Mr Georgiopoulos receive the award.

He said: “I feel very grateful for the nomination.

“I started working for the health board two-and-a-half years ago after working in Canada and Greece. It’s nice to have some positive feedback because it helps me to feel I belong here.”

• The Patient Choice Awards are an annual feature of Swansea Bay University Health Board’s staff recognition programme and are awarded directly as a result of patient and family nominations. This time more than 500 nominations were received with hundreds of awards handed out across more than a dozen events.