Choosing the right surgeon for hip or knee surgery is a big moment in your healthcare journey.
Understanding what lies behind a surgeon’s credentials can help you feel more confident and reassured in their care. Here’s what Mr. David Stitson’s qualifications and experience signify.
Mr. David Stitson’s qualifications aren’t just titles—they reflect an unwavering commitment to surgical excellence, personalised patient care and advanced technique.
MB BS (Honours) – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Mr. Stitson graduated with honours from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London in June 1991, reflecting strong foundational academic performance.
What it means to you:
David Stitson is a fully trained medical doctor who passed out of medical school with distinction.
FRCS Specialist qualifications in Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery
FRCS (Part 1) , FRCS (Part 2) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons & FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Mr Stitson passed Part 1 FRCS (Applied Basic Sciences), a stepping-stone postgraduate qualifications) in February 1995 and completed Part 2 FRCS (Clinical Surgery in General) in February 1996, becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Following Higher Surgical Training in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery, Mr Stitson passed the Part 3, (FRCS Tr and Orth) specialty examination, showcasing advanced surgical competence in orthopaedics and paving the way to consultant appointment.
What it means to you:
These qualifications demonstrate that Mr Stitson has passed rigorous exams and training, affirming high-level surgical skill and safety.
Fellowship Training – Melbourne, Australia
Mr Stitson undertook a six‑month Fellowship at the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group in Australia developing advanced skills in joint replacement and hip resurfacing procedures.
What it means to you:
This ensures exposure to cutting‑edge surgical techniques and international standards of care.
Specialist Register & Consultant Status
Mr Stitson was granted the Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in February 2003 and his name was entered onto the GMC Specialist Register for Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery in March 2003. He began working as a substantive Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon from March 2003.
What it means to you:
Mr Stitson is accredited to practise independently trauma and orthopaedic surgery in the UK at consultant level.
Royal Air Force Service (Wing Commander)
Mr. Stitson served as a military trauma and orthopaedic consultant for the RAF (achieving the rank of Wing Commander) and deploying to places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. He also ran clinics and operated on military personnel in the UK.
What it means to you:
This demonstrates Mr Stitson’s extensive experience n managing complex trauma cases under pressure—skills that translate into precision and calm in peacetime surgery.
22+ Years of Patient Care and Specialist Expertise
With over 22 years as a consultant, Mr. Stitson specialises in lower limb joint replacement and revision surgery, including knee replacements and hip replacements implants.
What it means to you:
Your treatment is crafted with precision to suit your individual anatomy and functional needs.
Professional Memberships & Teaching Roles
Mr Stitson is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, member of the British Orthopaedic Association and Combined Services Orthopaedic Society and was previously a faculty member at AOUK (teaching fracture management). He also frequently teaches GPs and physiotherapists and has also contributed to surgical training in Kenya.
What it means to you:
Mr Stitson remains current with evolving best practices and contributes to the education of the wider medical community.
Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital
Mr. Stitson practises privately at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital with full practice privileges and admitting rights.
What it means to you:
You’ll receive care in a high-quality, well-resourced environment backed by a dedicated orthopaedic team.
Why Orthopaedic Credentials Matters
- Trust and Reassurance: You are entrusting your care to a surgeon with strong academic credentials, specialist accreditation and decades of experience.
- Precision and Innovation: Custom CT-planning and implant techniques mean procedures can be tailored to your body—enhancing recovery and function.
- Resilience and Calmness: Military trauma experience adds confidence—especially in complex cases—thanks to a calm and thorough approach.
- Continuous Excellence: Ongoing education, memberships and fellowship work assure you that your surgeon is at the forefront of orthopaedic advances.
- Comprehensive and Convenient Care: Located at a well-equipped private hospital, in a team environment, your pathway from consultation to recovery is streamlined.
Final Thoughts
Mr. David Stitson’s qualifications aren’t just titles—they reflect an unwavering commitment to surgical excellence, personalised patient care and advanced technique. When you are choosing a surgeon for hip or knee operations, knowing the depth behind these credentials significantly enhances your confidence and peace of mind.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT & GET YOUR PERSONALISED TREATMENT PLAN TODAY
Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk or call 01752 761818.
Next Steps…
– Consult Your GP: If you are experiencing hip pain and are considering surgery, start by booking an appointment with your GP. They will be able to refer you if needed.
– Understand Your Options: There are the key avenues you can explore to speed up your access contributing to a swifter recovery and getting you back on your feet sooner.
– Do Your Research: Familiarise yourself with different types of surgical procedure and what each involves. Knowledge is power!
– Speak with Mr Stitson: Book a consultation with David Stitson, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon based in Plymouth, to discuss what might be the best approach for you personally. He will provide detailed information specific to your situation.
Surgery may sound daunting, but for many, it provides much-needed relief and the chance to regain mobility. This step can be pivotal in improving your quality of life, helping to reduce pain and stiffness dramatically.
By addressing the underlying issues, surgery can pave the way for a more active lifestyle, allowing you to return to the activities you love without constant pain holding you back.
Get Private Orthopaedic Surgery in Plymouth in just 4-6 weeks
⇒ Consultation in 7 days or less
⇒ Consultation to surgery, 4-6 weeks
About Mr Stitson
David Stitson is a Plymouth-based Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Trained both in the UK and internationally, he has worked in medicine for more than 20 years for the NHS, for the Royal Air Force and in private practice. Mr Stitson operates privately at the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Steps to Improve Your Mobility?
Living with constant pain is not something you have to accept as part of ageing. Many people in their late 60s and 70s find that a private hip or knee replacement restores their mobility and transforms their quality of life.
📞 To discuss your symptoms and explore whether hip replacement surgery is the right option for you, contact Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at the Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth.
- Call: 01752 761818
- Visit: www.orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
Take the first step towards a more comfortable, active life today.
The Nuffield Plymouth CQC Rating
The Nuffield Hospital has a history that spans over half a century and has built a reputation for high standards of care, professionalism and expertise in delivering health services. They aim for continuous quality improvement in everything they do.
Active Quality and Governance programmes are in place at the Nuffield Hospital Plymouth. As part of this, the hospital is inspected by independent healthcare regulators to ensure it meets the fundamental standards of quality and safety as determined by the regulating body (CQC).
In the most recent inspection, Plymouth Nuffield Hospital was rated as ‘Good’ overall, however, the surgical element of the inspection was rated as ‘Outstanding’. The hospital was referred to as:
“Outstanding in effective and caring, and
Good in safe, responsive and well-led.”
