Ref. 28042-40Swindon surgeon John Cullimore is not just a smooth operator in theatre he is a dab hand on the stage too.

John, 48, an obstetrician and gynaecological surgeon at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, has gone back to his musical roots to record a four-track CD to help raise £8,000 for the maternity ward.

The surgeon who, with his band Under the Knife, produced the CD Smooth Oper-ators, explained: "Local people have really shown fantastic support for their new hospital.

"It's encouraged me to put my love for music to good use. My songs are all original and the tunes are catchy.

"When I was 15, I was in a band and followed that interest through into college in London. We played a few gigs but it took a sideline while I pursued my career.

"The songs are pop ballads. We have been compared to Prefab Sprout and Fleetwood Mac."

John has already sold around 60 CDs, which has so far raised £300 towards a combined foetal monitor.

He added that since moving to the new hospital from the former Princess Margaret Hospital, birth rates have risen by about 10 per cent.

"We already have similar monitors 12 in the delivery suite, three on the antenatal ward and four in the clinic," he said.

"Hundreds more babies could potentially benefit from more heart monitoring equipment. Similarly mothers in labour could also benefit, as the equipment we are seeking can monitor the mother's vital signs."

Symone Merrington, 29, of St Austell Way, in Swindon, is one of many expectant mothers who will benefit from the new monitor.

Symone, who is a midwife at the hospital, said: "We always need to raise more funds so the CD is a great idea.

"The foetal monitors are very reassuring. You can actually hear the baby's heartbeat through the ultrasound, which is very soothing.

"It takes about 20 minutes to do the test and you get given a print out of the baby's heartbeat at the end. It is all explained to you by the staff so it does put your mind at ease."

John's colleague, operating department practitioner Dave Cornell, plays drums on Need to Know Blues while his daughters Polly and Lucy provide the vocals on Birdsong. They were aged seven and nine when it was recorded seven years ago.

The CDs are available for a minimum £5 donation. Cheques should be made payable to Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust Charitable Funds.

Send it to Natalie Prinsloo, fundraising department, North Swindon District Centre, PO Box 80, Thamesdown Drive, Swindon, SN25 4AN, or call 01793 605635.

Visit www.swindon-marlborough.nhs.uk/fundraising.buythecd.htm for more.

Alex Emery