About

Twenty years, one question — can we make recovery easier?

Mr. Narendra Kumar Rath, Consultant Spinal Surgeon
About me

A note from Mr. Rath

I am Mr. Narendra Kumar Rath, a Consultant Spinal Surgeon at The Walton Centre, with a specialist focus on spinal pathology. My journey began in the tribal region of Odisha, India, where my parents' service in the Armed Forces instilled in me discipline and a deep regard for people.

I completed my medical education in India before moving to the United Kingdom for advanced surgical training. I hold a Completion of Training (CCT) in Trauma and Orthopaedics, and went on to fellowship at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, where I focused on deformity correction and minimally invasive techniques.

My practice today covers the full spectrum of spinal care, with particular emphasis on endoscopic spinal surgery — keyhole surgery — and deformity correction. At The Walton Centre, a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences, I have had the privilege of broadening my skills to include the neurosurgical aspects of spinal work.

Beyond the operating theatre, I'm drawn to the history and landscape of the North West, and a long-standing fan of Liverpool football and rugby. I try to bring an easy-going manner to my consultations. The most important thing I can offer any patient is careful judgement: the right treatment for them, no more and no less.

N. K. Rath Mr. Narendra Kumar Rath Consultant Spinal Surgeon · The Walton Centre
His journey

From India to Liverpool — a training in pictures and places.

  1. India

    MBBS

    MGM Medical College, Indore — one of Asia's earliest medical schools.

  2. Wales

    Core Surgical Training

    All Wales programme under the Wales Deanery — plastic surgery and A&E rotations.

  3. Cardiff

    Trauma & Orthopaedics

    Six-year specialist training. Spinal work at UHW Cardiff; CCT from the Royal College of Surgeons.

  4. Master’s degree

    Masters in Trauma Surgery

    Two further years focused on the management of trauma patients.

  5. Oswestry

    Higher Spinal Training

    Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital — one of the UK's foremost orthopaedic centres.

  6. Germany

    Endoscopic Fellowship

    Trained under Prof. Rutten at St. Anna Hospital — keyhole spinal surgery.

  7. Liverpool

    The Walton Centre

    Developed the endoscopic spinal service; expanding into robotic spinal surgery.

  8. A new service

    Endoscopic at Walton

    Built a new service through the COVID years with the Walton Centre Charity.

  9. Robotic & navigation

    Robotic Spinal Surgery

    An evolution into navigation and robotic spinal surgery — embracing new technology to deliver more advanced care.

Recognition & Credentials
iWantGreatCare · 2021–2025 badge

Certificate of Excellence

iWantGreatCare · 2021–2025

Recognised by patients five years running.

General Medical Council badge

Registered Specialist

General Medical Council

GMC-registered consultant.

Royal College of Surgeons badge

Member · CCT

Royal College of Surgeons

Certificate of Completion of Training in Trauma & Orthopaedics.

British Association of Spine Surgeons badge

Active Member

British Association of Spine Surgeons

BASS member.

EUROSPINE badge

Member

EUROSPINE

European Spine Society.

NHS · The Walton Centre badge

Substantive Consultant

NHS · The Walton Centre

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust.

What patients say

In their own words.

5.0 / 5 from 204+ verified reviews on iWantGreatCare

★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“I felt heard, I felt believed, I felt cared for”

Mr Rath is everything you would hope for and more in a consultant. He is person-centred, holistic, and incredibly attentive. He truly listens, is open and honest, explains things clearly, and takes the time to discuss all available options. Most importantly, he provides choice and ensures you feel involved in decisions about your own care.

Patient December 2025
★★★★★ Google

“Completely free from pain”

During an exercise routine I felt something happen in my spine. Pins and needles in my fingers turning into a “claw”. After an MRI at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the consultant referred me to Mr Rath at the Walton Centre. Mr Rath saw me within two weeks, carefully explained the MRI scan, and performed a key-hole discectomy. On waking up from the surgery I was completely free from pain — and was able to return home the following day.

Maurice L. April 2026
★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“Pain free within two weeks”

Having developed a crushed spinal cord… one man’s name kept cropping up — Mr Narendra Kumar Rath. He is attentive, thoughtful, professional, experienced… He performed keyhole surgery to limit trauma and hasten my recovery. I was pain free within two weeks and able to start my recovery.

Patient October 2025
★★★★★ Google

“He gave me a life again”

For the past 9 years I suffered with severe lower back pain to the point I couldn’t get out of bed for weeks at a time. I spent years seeing different doctors and specialists and none could tell me what was wrong. I went privately to see Mr Rath at Nuffield Hospital in Chester. Within my first two appointments I was told I had a slipped disc and would be needing surgery. I am now 8 weeks post-op and doing brilliantly. I can’t thank Mr Rath enough for giving me a life again.

Ffion P. February 2026
★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“Completely gone after only 5 weeks”

I had great care from start to finish with Mr Rath. Very caring and felt he wanted the best for me at all times. The pain and numbness down my legs have completely gone after only 5 weeks of the operation, which is amazing as I had been suffering for 3 years. I am now able to walk about 2 miles a day with no discomfort.

Patient November 2025
★★★★★ Google

“He has given me my life back”

I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis at L3-L4 and L4-L5. I had heavy/numb feeling in my left leg, pain in my lower back, cramps. I felt my life was being taken from me — unable to do everyday chores or go out with my granddaughter. I saw Mr Rath at Spire Cheshire and had lumbar decompression surgery. I am now coming up to 6 weeks post-op — I can walk a mile with no leg pain or numbness. I feel that he has given me my life back. Thank you Mr Rath.

Amanda D. December 2025
★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“Mr Rath gave me hope”

I have been suffering from a spinal condition for many years and have had 4 decompressions in the past. I am now 83 yrs and have been refused further surgery… As a last resort I contacted Mr Rath — and how glad I did! After looking at the scan, Mr Rath gave me hope; he said he was willing to operate and thought it would improve the situation. I am now pain free.

Patient September 2025
★★★★★ Google

“Treated as a patient and a person”

Debilitating back and hip pain had put an end to my exercising and social life, and work was becoming a serious problem. The NHS waiting list was 4 to 6 months. I was fortunate to access the services of Mr Rath, and within weeks I’d been assessed, scanned, and had the pain issue described to me in a way I could easily understand. No operation or injection has been necessary and physiotherapy is going well. My sincere thanks to Mr Rath, for treating me as a patient and a person.

David P. December 2025
★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“Pain free for the first time in 12 months”

It was a very quick consultation, but very professional and very informative. I was kept updated throughout, and the procedure was done with skill and care. Not once did I feel unsure or worried — and I came away pain free for the first time in 12 months.

Patient August 2025
★★★★★ Google

“Open, approachable and understanding”

From the first appointment to the last Mr Rath was very understanding and spent time answering any questions I had. He made me feel very comfortable and was very open and approachable. Thank you again Mr Rath.

Rob P. March 2026
★★★★★ iWantGreatCare

“From the bottom of my heart”

Mr Rath was very professional with his competent and friendly approach. On the day of the operation, he and his team made me feel very relaxed. Although a major surgery, I have felt no pain or discomfort in the slightest. I would like to thank Mr Rath and his team from the bottom of my heart.

Patient October 2025
★★★★★ Google

“Told there wasn’t anything that could be done”

The first time I experienced the debilitating pain in my back and leg was in 2019. I was referred to The Walton Centre in Liverpool following an MRI scan. I was told by the consultant I saw there that there wasn’t really anything that could be done… (continues on Google).

Janice V. March 2026
Take the next step

Speak with Mr. Rath about your spine.

Online consultations available across the UK. In-clinic appointments at The Walton Centre, Spire Yale, Spire Cheshire, and Nuffield Health Chester.

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