
DORSET
COUNTY
VASCULAR GROUP
Informed Choice in the NHS and Private Health

The Team //

Alexander Watson, MBBS FRCS |
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Alexander Watson is a Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon with over 20 years of specialist experience in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and vascular conditions. He prides himself in being a friendly, open and approachable surgeon, who treats patients how he himself would want to be treated whilst also achieving the best outcomes possible.
Professional yet down to earth, Alex avoids complicated medical jargon, ensuring patients understand their condition and the treatment options available to them.
Alex welcomes both self‑pay and insured patients, and you do not need a GP referral to book a consultation.
Specialist in Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatments
Alex is an expert in modern, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments, including:
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Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
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Foam sclerotherapy
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Microsurgical phlebectomy
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His consultations always include a comprehensive duplex ultrasound scan, enabling him to explain your condition clearly and create a bespoke, evidence‑based treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and cosmetic goals.
Personalised Care From Consultation to Follow‑Up
Unlike many national vein clinic chains, where services can be
generic or fragmented, Alex provides continuous care from your first appointment to post‑treatment follow‑up. Patients value this consistency, knowing their care is fully overseen by a senior vascular surgeon with extensive NHS and private sector expertise. As a private vascular surgeon at The Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester, he offers patients fast access to consultations and treatments without long waiting times.
All treatments are offered on a ‘walk‑in, walk‑out’ basis using the latest, state‑of‑the‑art minimally invasive techniques. Most procedures take around one hour, require only local anaesthetic, and allow patients to return to work or normal activities the next day, with minimal discomfort or downtime.
NHS Expertise with Private Accessibility
Alongside his private practice, Alex leads a busy NHS service at both Dorset County Hospital and Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
This dual practice ensures private patients benefit from:
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The safety and expertise of the NHS vascular network
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Easy transfer between private and NHS care if needed
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Multidisciplinary support from specialist radiologists, nurses and allied health professionals
Living and working locally, Alex is known for being easy to contact, responsive and highly supportive throughout the entire treatment journey. His patient‑centred approach is reflected in his excellent Doctify reviews.
Training & Background
Alex trained at St George’s Hospital, London, before completing surgical training in Kent. He undertook vascular research at Northwick Park Hospital, exploring reperfusion injury following aortic aneurysm repair.
His advanced vascular and endovascular training took place in the Southwest of England, followed by a prestigious Senior Vascular & Endovascular Fellowship at the nationally renowned Freeman Hospital Vascular Unit in Newcastle, where he developed his specialist interest in endovenous therapies. He was subsequently invited to take up a consultant position within the unit.
In 2013, Alex returned to Dorset with his family to join the Dorset & Wiltshire Vascular Network as a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Dorset County Hospital.
Alongside colleague James Metcalfe, he co‑founded the Dorset County Vascular Group, working with radiologists and specialist clinicians to deliver innovative, patient‑focused vascular care across the region.
Clinical Interests
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Minimally invasive varicose vein treatments (EVLA, RFA, foam sclerotherapy, micro-phlebectomy)
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Claudication & Peripheral Arterial Disease
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Diabetic limb salvage
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Renal access surgery (AV fistula formation, peritoneal dialysis access)
Professional Memberships
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Vascular Society of Great Britain & Ireland
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British Society of Endovascular Therapy
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Royal College of Surgeons of England

James (Jimmy) Allen|
Private Patient Venous Technician
Jimmy is usually involved in our office based intervention at the BMI Winterbourne. He is a great reassurance to patients having venous procedures and supports them both during and following treatment.
Always with a smile on his face, Jimmy loves to travel and enjoy life to the full, he is a great source of anecdotes to distract nervous patients.

James Metcalfe, MBBS FRCS PhD MBA |
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Special Interests: Deep Vein Thrombosis and Deep venous disease, Diabetic Foot Salvage, Reno-Vascular Access, Stroke Surgery, Varicose Veins, Open Aneurysm Surgery.
James grew up in Yorkshire and studied medicine in London before moving to the West Country. He is an innovator and has work with industry around the world developing surgical devices and building his extensive surgical portfolio.

Richard Tippett, MBBS BSc MRCS FRCR |
Interventional Radiologist
Special Interests: Endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac and peripheral arterial disease. Renal dialysis access and fistula maintenance. Venous access, including portocath insertion. Palliative soft tissue embolization for haemorrhage control or pain relief. Renal access for drainage and stone removal. Diagnostic CT and MRI angiography.
Richard trained initially at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, then underwent surgical training before specialist training in diagnostic and interventional radiology at UCLH, London. His interests lie in the surrounding Dorset countryside and coastline, where he spends as much time as possible with his wife and three children.

Michelle Moore BSc (Hons) PgDMedUS|
Lead Vascular Sonographer
Specialist Interests: Vascular Sonography including varicose vein mapping, lower limb arterial assessment and carotid assessment. Michelle works both in our NHS and Private practice and brings a level of expertise that complex vascular work demands.
In 2009 Michelle and her family moved to live in New Zealand where she developed a passion for vascular sonography. She returned to beautiful Dorset in 2012.

Shirley White |
Administration lead Vascular Surgery NHS
Working for the NHS as a Medical Secretary for 31 years, and specifically in Vascular health since 1999. She is an advocate for doctors, nurses and patients seeking help and advice.
'I love walking and feel so lucky that I was born in Dorchester and still live in the area. I have recently resumed knitting and spend a lot of quality time with my three delightful grandchildren.'