Former Hartlepool United midfielder Martin Smith expected to make a full recovery after suffering brain bleed

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An investigation is underway after a former Hartlepool United footballer suffered a bleed on the brain after an apparent hospital fall.

Martin Smith, who has spent the last two years with South Shields since leaving Pools in the summer of 2022, underwent planned surgery on a hernia at Nuffield Health, in Middlesbrough, last week.

While recovering, however, his current club said he had a fall and was transferred to Middlesbrough’s James Cook Hospital for treatment to a bleed of the brain.

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Nuffield Health, which has wished Smith “a full recovery”, said it is currently investigating the incident.

The midfielder, who made 15 appearances for Pools, is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed of the brain.The midfielder, who made 15 appearances for Pools, is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed of the brain.
The midfielder, who made 15 appearances for Pools, is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed of the brain.

Sunderland-born Smith, who made 15 appearances for Pools following their promotion back to the Football League in 2021, spent a number of days in hospital but has since been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

South Shields said in a statement earlier this week: “South Shields Football Club would like to issue an update on Martin Smith following an accident last week.

"The surgery was a success, however, whilst in hospital, he had a serious fall and was transferred to James Cook Hospital.

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“Sadly, he had suffered a fractured skull and a bleed of the brain.

“Martin has since spent a number of days in hospital and thankfully has now been discharged,

“Given the circumstances, the midfielder will be ruled out for a number of months but will make a full recovery.

“The club will issue further updates appropriately.”

A Nuffield Health spokesperson added: “Patient safety, and the care and welfare of our patients is our priority. We are currently investigating the incident and wish the patient a full recovery.”

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