Mr James Bedford

“Management of hand and nerve conditions requires careful assessment of function, with treatment tailored to restore movement, strength and independence.”

Mr James Bedford is a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon based in Manchester, specialising in the management of hand, peripheral nerve and upper limb conditions. He was appointed as a consultant in 2018 following specialist training in plastic and hand surgery in the North West of England. He completed his medical degree at the University of Leicester and went on to undertake higher surgical training in plastic surgery. During his training, he completed a National Advanced Training Fellowship in Hand Surgery in Leeds, alongside experience as a National Institute for Health Research academic trainee in surgical education. Mr Bedford’s clinical practice focuses on both elective and trauma-related conditions of the hand and upper limb. He has a particular interest in peripheral nerve surgery, including brachial plexus injury, nerve compression and reconstruction of the paralysed upper limb. He is a core member of the Greater Manchester Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Service at Wythenshawe Hospital and is involved in specialist multidisciplinary care. He also leads services for hand trauma and wide-awake local anaesthetic (WALANT) surgery and has developed high-volume hand trauma pathways within the NHS. His practice includes the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease, arthritis, tendon injuries and a wide range of common hand conditions. In addition to adult practice, Mr Bedford has a specialist interest in paediatric hand surgery and congenital upper limb differences. He leads multidisciplinary clinics working with colleagues in children’s services to support functional outcomes for children with complex upper limb conditions. He has held senior leadership roles within NHS services, including Clinical Director for Burns and Plastic Surgery services in Manchester, and has contributed to national service improvement work as a senior clinical advisor to the NHS Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.