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About Mr Richard James Sim

Personal Profile

About Mr Sim

Mr Richard Sim is a highly experienced consultant ENT surgeon, providing specialist care for adults and children (currently over 18s only in private setting). He offers private appointments at Circle Bath Clinic, Bath and The Winterbourne Hospital, Dorchester serving patients across the South West of England.

He completed his general ENT training in the Southwest, before undertaking the prestigious TWJ Fellowship in Otology & Neurotology in Sydney with Professor Paul Fagan. Research undertaken at the Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford has been recognised in his MD. He has over 20 years specialist experience and was appointed to his NHS consultant post in 2008.

Why Patients Choose Mr Sim

Patients choose Mr Sim not only for his clinical expertise but for his candid and honest approach, helping patients make fully informed decisions about their care.

He consults on all routine ENT conditions including:

  • Voice problems – laryngoscopy available in clinic
  • Sinus problems – nasopharyngoscopy available in clinic
  • Hearing loss
  • Ear wax – microsuction available in clinic
  • Nasal polyps – nasopharyngoscopy available in clinic
  • Snoring
  • Neck lumps including thyroid nodules

He has recently stopped offering surgical procedures. The small number of patients (around 3 in 100) who require surgery can be reassured that Mr Sim will advise on the best sub-specialty surgeon to provide further care on a case-by-case basis.

He is passionate about cancer care, recognising that timely reassurance for patients who have worrying symptoms is as important as prioritising the care of those patients that do need further investigation and treatment. To this end he has set up a “one-stop” neck lump clinic at Dorset County Hospital.

Colleagues have regularly asked him to be involved in the care of their children and other family members.

What Mr Sim’s Patients Say

Patients consistently highlight his honesty, thoroughness, and the confidence he instils during consultations. In patient reviews he consistently scores top marks across key patient experience areas:

  • Polite and Considerate: Known for being courteous, approachable, and attentive.
  • Clear Communication: Patients highlight that he explains conditions and treatments clearly and understandably.
  • Time and Dignity: Recognised for giving patients ample time and treating them with respect.

Validated Patient Feedback:

“The Consultation was on time, and I had everything explained to me, including any tests I would require.  After my tests, I received a letter to explain the results. My experience was a very positive one. I felt Mr Sim had been understanding and made me feel confident with his care and diagnosis.”

“Very professional and great at explaining everything I needed to know. Very happy with consultation.”

“After I had a severe nosebleed caused by low platelets and being on blood thinners I was not able to get an appointment to see anyone on the NHS, so I contacted Mr Sim privately. He saw me quickly at his clinic in Bath and was able to immediately deal with the cauterisation issue during my visit. This was much appreciated.” 

“Mr Sim is super-efficient and reassuring. Thank you.”

"I was very much at ease with my recent consultation with Mr Sim at his ENT clinic. The appointment was on time. He did various tests and gave a clear communication of what my symptoms could be and some possible solutions to the problems I was experiencing at the time."

“Mr Sim is always excellent and explains well.”

Multidisciplinary Teams

Mr Sim works closely with his long-standing secretary, Karen, whose efficiency, accessibility, and friendly approach consistently receive excellent patient feedback. Together, they make arranging appointments and follow-ups simple and stress-free.

He takes a team-based approach to care, collaborating with audiologists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and specialist nurses where appropriate. The team ensures a seamless journey - prioritising timely investigation, appropriate intervention where needed and optimal outcomes

Education, Training & Leadership

His education includes:

  • MD, MB ChB - University of Birmingham
  • FRCS-ORL HNS - Royal College of Surgeons - England
  • TWJ fellowship training in advanced Otology & Neurotology

Mr Sim has presented widely at both national and international conferences; he remains active in research and the advancement of ENT care in all settings. 

Within his NHS practice, he established surgical training fellowship posts, with a number of overseas trainees subsequently progressing successfully into NHS consultant roles.

He has had an active role in NHS leadership holding several posts including:

  • Divisional Director for Family and Surgical Services at Dorset County Hospital
  • Clinical Lead for the Dorset Cancer Partnership

Outside Work

Outside work, Mr Sim has lived in Bath for over 25 years with his wife, three children, and two cocker spaniels. In his spare time, he can be found at the Rec supporting Bath Rugby, enjoying live music, cycling or surfing.

Research & Publications

Peer‑reviewed publications: Pub Med

Lancet: Underestimation of meningococci in tonsillar tissue by nasopharyngeal swabbing

Media

Rayo: Cancer is "top priority" for NHS Dorset despite Macmillan saying cancer care is in "crisis"

RAW LINKS:

https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/dorset/news/cancer-top-priority-for-nhs-dorset-despite-charity-saying-its-in-crisis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=RJ+Sim

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(00)03162-7/abstract

Please note: Mr Sim is currently only offering outpatient services - he is happy to see and discuss surgical intervention as an option. Where surgical intervention is needed, he has an agreement to refer to local ENT colleagues.

 

Clinical Interests


  • Dizziness
  • Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
  • Facial Cosmetic Procedures including Otoplasty (bat-ears)
  • Otology
  • Paediatric ENT Disorders
  • Septorhinoplasty
  • Swallowing Disorders
  • Snoring
  • Thyroid and Parotid Surgery
  • Voice Disorders

Professional Memberships


  • Royal College of Surgeons of England
  • British Association of Otorhinolaryologists
  • Head & Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS)
  • British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons

About

Locations

Treatments

Insurers




Location


Treatments offered by Mr Richard James Sim


Your private health insurance

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More useful information

Languages spoken

English

GMC number

4102982
A General Medical Council (GMC) number is a unique ID that shows a specialist is officially registered and approved to practice medicine in the UK.

Qualifications

FRCS (ORL-HNS) MD MRCS MB ChB

Professional memberships


  • Royal College of Surgeons of England
  • British Association of Otorhinolaryologists
  • Head & Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS)
  • British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons


Frequently asked questions and other useful information

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the information you need, so we've gathered a list of frequently asked questions about our hospitals and services

  • You can either book an consultation via the online booking process, fill in the enquiry form, or give us a call at 0808 101 0337.

  • Find out how much private healthcare costs and how these prices break down.

  • Whether you have your own private medical insurance policy or are covered through your employer, we'll guide you through how to make a claim for treatment at a Circle Hospital.

  • The number one benefit of private healthcare for most people is that you'll experience a shorter waiting time for treatment. We don't have long waiting lists, and in general you'll simply get treatment as and when you need it.

    As a private patient, you shouldn't experience long waits between appointments. We can usually offer you an initial consultation within days of you getting in touch, and we'll book you in for the treatments you need on a date and time that suits you.

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