About Mr Simon Wood

Mr Simon Wood is a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and in private practice at St Joseph’s Hospital, Newport. He provides consultations, diagnostic endoscopy and surgery for patients from across South Wales and the UK.

His main areas of expertise include minimally invasive surgery for gallstones, gallbladder disease, acid reflux and hiatus hernia. He has performed more than 1,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies and treats both straightforward and complex gallstone disease. He also has particular experience caring for patients who develop symptomatic gallstones during or after treatment with GLP-1 medicines such as Mounjaro. He offers clear, individualised advice about investigations, surgery and the safe management of medication around an operation.

Mr Wood performs anti-reflux and hiatus hernia surgery, including fundoplication and LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation. He discusses the available options carefully and recommends the procedure most appropriate for each patient’s symptoms, investigation results and personal circumstances. He is currently the only surgeon offering LINX surgery privately in Wales.

His other specialist interests include achalasia, laparoscopic groin and abdominal wall hernia repair, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Specialist Areas of Experience

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Gallstones developing during or after GLP-1 treatment, including Mounjaro
• Acid reflux and hiatus hernia surgery
• Fundoplication and LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation
• Achalasia surgery
• Laparoscopic and open hernia repair
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Wood is the National Clinical Lead for General Surgery in Wales. He works with the Welsh Government, health boards and surgical teams to support improvements in the organisation, quality and delivery of general surgical care. He previously served as Clinical Director for General Surgery at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Mr Wood qualified from the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff in 2002 and completed specialist training in General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery in South Wales. He subsequently undertook a Senior Fellowship in Upper GI Surgery in Adelaide, Australia, and gained a Master’s degree in Minimally Invasive Surgery from the University of Adelaide.

He is a Course Director at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, where he teaches basic and laparoscopic surgical skills to trainee surgeons from the UK and internationally. He also supervises surgical trainees and examines Cardiff University medical students.

Highly Rated by Patients

Patients value Mr Wood’s clear explanations, calm and reassuring manner, and attentive care before and after surgery. He takes time to understand each patient’s concerns and explain the next steps, helping them feel informed and supported throughout their treatment. Reviews on Doctify frequently mention smooth postoperative recovery, minimal pain and little need for pain medication.

Private consultations, endoscopy and surgery are provided at St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport.