James Bedford

Mr James Bedford has been a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgeon since 2018. He completed his medical degree at the University of Leicester before undertaking specialist training in plastic and hand surgery in the North West of England. His training included a National Advanced Training Fellowship in Hand Surgery in Leeds, alongside experience as a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) academic trainee in surgical education.

James’ practice covers a wide range of plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgery. He leads the North West’s largest NHS local anaesthetic hand trauma service at Withington Hospital (WALANT/wide-awake hand surgery), developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also served as a senior clinical advisor to the NHS Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme for plastic and hand surgery.

His areas of special interest include children’s hand surgery and reconstruction of the paralysed upper limb. He provides treatment for patients with brachial plexus injuries, spasticity related to cerebral palsy, stroke or brain injury, and nerve injuries or compression. He is a core member of the Greater Manchester Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Service at Wythenshawe Hospital and leads the Children’s Hand, Elbow, and Shoulder Surgery (CHESS) clinics, working with colleagues at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the Specialised Ability Centre to support children with congenital upper limb differences.

In addition to his specialist interests, James manages a range of common hand conditions, including arthritis, trauma, Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, nail disorders, and benign hand tumours such as ganglions and other soft tissue lumps.

Beyond hand surgery, he frequently collaborates with rehabilitation, orthopaedic, neurosurgical, general surgical, and cardiothoracic teams on complex soft tissue reconstruction cases.

James can offer appointments via PSP for any of the above. He works alongside Pete Sanderson and Angie Henry to offer a unique multidisciplinary assessment and treatment approach for the most comprehensive spasticity management service in the UK for children and adults.