At Practice Plus Group we believe everybody deserves access to outstanding healthcare.
In our hospitals and surgical centres, this means working with the NHS to treat as many NHS patients as possible and helping to reduce waiting lists.
It also means making private surgery more affordable and easier to access for those who choose to pay for themselves.
Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group is a new kind of private healthcare that offers high quality surgery including hip and knee replacements, cataracts and hernia repair in just 4 to 6 weeks.
With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than you might think and be back to your best sooner than you thought.
13 A day in the life of: Mr Ferenc Toth, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
14 Expert Q&A: MRI scans with Sharad Daniel
15 Crossword competition
WELCOME
to the Summer 2025 issue of Practice Plus Group’s Connect magazine, for our patients and colleagues.
It’s a celebration all round in this issue, as we recognise the work of our nurses through the lens of International Nurses’ Day, and mark our 20th anniversary across five of our hospitals and surgical centres. As a hospital group we have now helped more than a million people access the healthcare they needed. This is truly incredible and I am proud of the contribution we have made, and continue to make, to support the NHS as well as offer people a new kind of private healthcare.
In this issue we hear from two of the patients we have helped recently, a gentleman who decided to pay for fast access to private surgery with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group rather than face a long wait with his local NHS hospital, and a lady who discovered she could access a much shorter NHS wait if she just travelled from the Isle of Wight to our Southampton hospital.
One of our many fantastic consultant surgeons talks us through a day in his life, what he loves about his role and why he’s stayed with our Barlborough team for 20 years.
I hope you enjoy this issue,
Jim Easton Chief Executive
HOSPITAL ASSISTANT SAVES SCRUBS FROM LANDFILL
Debbie Brennan, a Healthcare Assistant at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, is helping the environment by repairing worn-out surgical scrubs.
Noticing frayed hems and worn pockets, she began taking damaged scrubs home to mend, reducing waste and keeping the changing room tidy. “I wanted our team to look as professional as the care we give,” Debbie said. Her repairs have proven so durable that she now rarely needs to fix any. Hospital Director Mark Gilmour praised her efforts, calling them a small act with a big impact on sustainability and staff experience.
Barlborough celebrates 1000th
‘same day’ joint replacement
A farmer from New Mills in the High Peak has become the 1000th person to go home on the same day as having joint replacement surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough.
Elizabeth Marsden, 64, had a partial knee replacement and returned home the same day, saying: “I was home on the sofa with my dog, Duchess, by 8.30pm. I can’t thank the team enough – I feel like I’m getting my life back.”
Same-day joint surgery, while becoming extremely common in the US and Canada in recent years, is only available at select UK hospitals. Barlborough was among the first in the country to do high volumes of same-day surgery, after Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr. Gyorgy Lovasz and Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Marco La Malfa (below right) studied the practice in America and introduced it at Practice Plus Group. Studies show that patients recover better at home, with improved mobility, lower DVT risk, and higher satisfaction.
Mr Lovasz explains, “In addition to low re-admission and complication rates, day cases had very high satisfaction rates, with 98% of patients satisfied. We can only offer this service to so many appropriate patients because of the strong teams we have. We all work together; the consultants, radiographers, nurses and physios, to provide the best possible care and support to the patient.”
Suitable patients tend to be the fitter, more straightforward cases – but not always. They also need to live not too far from the hospital, have someone at home, and easy access into their home. All of this is discussed in advance of the operation. Patients can always choose to be admitted instead if they prefer.
Recovering well from her surgery, Elizabeth is now planning to return for an op on her right knee later this year at the same hospital.
She says: “I’d definitely opt for day surgery again if I have the choice. I was home in no time and able to fully relax and recover. I can’t thank the team enough. The whole experience has been phenomenal. I feel I’m on my way to getting my life back on track!”
Hospital introduces disposable hijabs to champion inclusivity for staff and patients
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford, has introduced disposable hijabs in surgical theatres to support Muslim patients who wear the head covering for religious and cultural reasons.
The initiative was led by Steven Palmer, an operating department practitioner, who spotted the gap in inclusive care after noticing female Muslim patients feeling anxious before surgery. The hijab holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslim women around the world: it is a symbol of modesty, faith, and identity. But in sterile hospital environments that adhere to strict infection prevention and control policies, wearing a hijab can feel challenging for both patients and hospital staff.
Steven collaborated with colleagues who wear hijabs to better understand their needs and concerns. Their insights helped the hospital team to develop a simple but effective solution: the introduction of disposable hijabs. These specially designed head coverings offer the necessary coverage while adhering to infection control guidelines, allowing patients to maintain their sense of identity while also ensuring hygiene standards are met.
Steven said, “Inclusivity isn’t just about policies – it’s about small, practical changes that make people feel comfortable and respected. The real reward is seeing patients more at ease.”
Hospital Director Mark Gilmour added, “This thoughtful change helps patients maintain their cultural
and religious identity, and also removes barriers for aspiring Muslim healthcare professionals, creating a more inclusive workplace.”
The initiative has been wellreceived by patients and staff alike, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to compassionate, inclusive care.
PORTSMOUTH CELEBRATES EXCELLENT CQC INSPECTION
Staff at Practice Plus Group
Surgical Centre, St Mary’s, Portsmouth, are celebrating a full set of ‘Good’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following its latest inspection.
The CQC reviewed surgery, outpatients, and diagnostic imaging services, rating the centre ‘Good’ across all five key areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.
The report praised staff for treating patients with courtesy and respect, noting their discretion
and attention to detail. Reception staff were highlighted for their welcoming attitude, and patients consistently reported feeling involved in their care. The inspection also identified “outstanding” practice, particularly the personalised patient booking service and excellence in endoscopy, recognised by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG).
Hospital Director Kathy Lloyd said: “This achievement highlights the collective effort that goes into maintaining high standards. We are proud to share this success with our community.”
Steven Palmer and Marium Shoma with the hijabs
Hospital Director, Kathy Lloyd
20 YEARS YOUNG!
2025 marks an enormous milestone for some of our hospitals as they celebrate their 20th anniversaries.
Originally set up as NHS treatment centres in 2005 under the New Labour government, centres including ours successfully helped reduce long waiting lists at neighbouring NHS hospitals. They were designed to help the NHS by taking on high volumes of patients waiting for routine operations such as hip and knee replacements, freeing up hospitals to focus on the more complex and urgent cases.
Critics at the time expected the treatment centres to be a temporary fix – and here we are 20 years later, having completed around one million procedures and going stronger than ever. We continue to open new sites, have retained our clean sweep of ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ CQC ratings, receive 98% positive feedback in the national ‘friends and family’ survey and have expanded the treatments we offer. With the NHS facing record-length waiting lists and the lowest satisfaction in its history, our role has never been more important. We are still able to offer shorter waiting lists for NHS patients compared with large NHS Trusts, and we now have a private option, Wellsoon, for those who choose to pay or use their private health insurance.
Barlborough
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, known locally as ‘Barlborough Hospital’, has completed around 89,500 procedures, including over 39,000 joint replacements and 14,400 cataracts operations. They expanded in 2016 with a fourth theatre and recently introduced bariatric surgery. They see patients from Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, North Yorkshire and Humber, and even as far away as Liverpool, Manchester, Sussex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Scotland!
Out of their team of 240 people, they have an incredible 28 members of staff who have been there for 20 years, including Tracey Marshall, Healthcare Assistant. Tracey’s daughter, Scarlet, recently joined the hospital too – becoming the sixth mother and daughter pair within the hospital!
Tracey Marshall, Healthcare Assistant and her daughter, Scarlet
Hospital Director Steve Booker who has been at Barlborough for 20 years, says: “In some ways Barlborough has changed a lot over the last 20 years. We’ve added another theatre, more specialties and private surgery. But in other ways we’ve not changed at all so the ethos of being very patientcentred, being very friendly and informal, very efficient, that’s all stayed the same. Everyone gets on well and our patients always comment on how happy and caring the hospital team are.”
Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Adefemi Kaka has also been there from the very beginning. He says: “We opened in June 2005. There were so many colleagues and staff from all over the world. I think the diversity actually worked very well to our strength because everybody brought something different.
“It’s a joy to go to work here. I’m most proud of the reputation –there’s nothing that pleases me more than being out in a social environment and someone saying that they’ve been to Barlborough or they know someone who has, and they had a fantastic experience.”
See page 13 for a ‘day in the life’ of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Ferenc Toth, who has worked at Barlborough for 20 years. Ferenc says: “Everybody knows everybody, like a big family. Coming here to work is like I’m coming home.”
Plymouth
Since opening its doors in April 2005, our Plymouth hospital has performed nearly 37,000 procedures including hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, endoscopies and hernia operations. Formerly known as the Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre, the hospital now employs 360 staff – five of whom have been there since the very first day!
Joining the team on day one at the hospital on 24th April 2005, was Orthopaedic Consultant, Tomasz Wudecki. Although having treated thousands of patients over the years, he often remembers particular people and recalls one lady he treated because of her excellent surgery outcome.
He explains: “She was a semiprofessional swimmer and was very much afraid that she wouldn’t be able to return to this level of swimming after surgery. Just four weeks after the operation she went back into the pool and eight weeks after, she won a prize in a competition! She was even on the BBC talking about it. It was very significant and she wrote to us with thanks and compliments about her recovery. It sticks in my mind as it was so spectacular.”
Hospital Director, Sarah Fell, says: “We’re overwhelmingly proud of our team and celebrating this milestone together feels incredible.”
Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet is also celebrating this year, with an open evening on July 15th. Thirteen members of their original team are still proud to work there. Catherine Farr, Hospital Director, said:
“As we mark 20 years of service, it’s inspiring to reflect on how far we’ve come – from a small NHS Treatment Centre established to reduce long waiting lists, to a thriving hospital providing high-quality care to thousands of patients each year.
“We have always shared a common goal with the NHS: supporting the healthcare system and delivering timely, safe, and compassionate treatment.
“Today, we remain proud to provide the majority of our care through the NHS, working in close partnership with local Trusts and commissioners. Alongside this, we offer affordable private and insured options for those seeking faster access.
“Our mission is to help people access the care they need – quickly, safely, and with dignity. That’s what we’ve done for 20 years, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Gillingham and Portsmouth Surgical Centres
Two of our surgical centres, which focus on day cases rather than in-patient procedures, will also be celebrating their 20th anniversaries later this year.
Both Portsmouth and Gillingham offer NHS and private treatments in areas such as endoscopy, eye surgery, urology, general surgery and day case orthopaedics. Waiting times are significantly shorter than average, with many treatments available in under four weeks. NHS patients can request referrals via their GP, and if you choose to go private you can call our private patient contact centre on 03330 606 294 and book in directly.
Orthopaedic Consultant, Tomasz Wudecki and Hospital Director, Sarah Fell
Steve Booker, Hospital Director
Dr Adefemi, Consultant Anaesthetist
OUR NURSES OUR FUTURE
We
appreciate and recognise the incredible contribution our nurses make every day of the year – but International Nurses Day, celebrated every year on 12th May, which was Florence Nightingale’s birthday,
is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the profession and our nurses.
The ongoing theme for International Nurses Day, driven by the Royal College of Nursing, is ‘Our Nurses. Our Future’ and this year’s theme went further with ‘Caring for nurses strengthens economies’. While many nurses may feel they are doing the job they were always
“Practice Plus Group really encourages promotion from within…”
meant to do, The Royal College of Nursing says: “Nursing is not a ‘calling’ or a ‘vocation’. It’s a highly skilled and safety-critical profession, requiring remarkable dedication, professionalism and expertise.”
We asked a selection of our nurses across our hospitals and surgical centres for their reflections this International Nurses Day.
Donna Hickman
“We were all delighted to receive a little goodie bag at Gillingham on International Nurse’s Day.
“It means a lot to be appreciated. Nursing is a vocation for many –we love what we do – but these days it’s more of a challenge to qualify as you need a nursing degree, and newly registered nurses are starting their careers with student debt.
“I was 29, newly divorced and with young children when I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I played at being a nurse as a little girl and actually found out after I qualified that my Nan had been a nurse, so it was in the family.
“I left my admin job in a building society and took on odd jobs like
ironing to fund me while I studied. Back then you could qualify with a higher diploma.
“I thought I might go on to become a midwife, but I loved nursing so much I stayed and have been a nurse now for almost 30 years.
“One of the joys of nursing is that you can choose to specialise in different areas that interest you and it can be so varied. I began in acute medicine and over the years have worked in surgical theatres, endoscopy and wards.
“Practice Plus Group really encourages promotion from within and really supports career development. I was working in endoscopy when I was encouraged to apply for my current role as a manager and here I am two years later!”
Claire Evennett, Deputy Head of Nursing, Southampton
“I started my training 40 years ago this year (crikey!), and I can honestly say it’s been a really rewarding career with the ability to help and support so many people, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to undertake many different nursing roles.”
Vera Boateng, In-patient Ward Nurse
“Today I’m reflecting with gratitude on the journey that brought me here and the colleagues who continue to inspire me every day.
As a nurse originally trained in Ghana, my path to practising in the UK has been deeply rewarding.
Nursing has always been more than a profession for me – it’s a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and the desire to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“It has been an incredibly welcoming and supportive
environment. From day one, I felt part of a team that values not just skill and knowledge, but kindness, diversity, and continuous learning. The experience so far has been enriching. I’ve grown in confidence and feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing patient care here.
“I’m proud to be part of the global nursing family, and even more proud to be a significant part of the Southampton hospital team.”
Nicola Williams, Ward Manager
“On this International Nurses Day, I will be looking back at my 30+ years as a nurse. I will be thinking about all the different people I have met; both patients and nurses whilst working in the UK and abroad in Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates for several years.
“During my career I have seen many changes in nursing, the
biggest ones being the changes in training. I have looked after many different types of patients on the wards I have worked on over the years.”
Margaret Hannon, Outpatients Manager
“Every day, I can’t wait to get to work. The patient experience we provide here at Practice Plus Group is truly rewarding.”
Linda Davies, Head of Nursing and Clinical Services
“One of the things that stands out most at Practice Plus Group is the commitment to compassionate leadership. Our hospital director and I make a point of walking the building every morning. It’s about being visible, approachable, and showing staff that we care.
“Leadership is about people. Practice Plus Group has reinforced that through leadership training, which has only strengthened our culture of compassion.”
Local hospital helps young adults with learning disabilities step onto the career ladder
Our Southampton hospital recently celebrated Neurodiversity Awareness Week with five new neurodiverse interns.
The college students, who have a learning disability, autism spectrum conditions, or both, have been given an opportunity to gain valuable, paid work experience at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, within Royal South Hants NHS hospital. The partnership between the hospital, Hampshire College Group, the charity DFN’s Project SEARCH, and Southampton City Council Young Adults Employment Hub, is part of a one-year transition-towork programme designed to give
the young adults work experience to help them find a job.
Now seven weeks into a 24-week placement, the interns, aged between 18 and 23, are thrilled with the experience they have gained so far.
Currently, five interns are being supported in gaining valuable hospital work experience in roles including data input, medical record management, portering, stores, and sterile services.
“This opportunity has shown me I can get a job.”
Charlie Richards, 20, who is working in the theatre’s sterile servicing unit, said: “This opportunity has shown me I can get a job. This is a job like I have never done before; it’s changed my perspective of a hospital and how it works.”
Fellow intern Iwan Kilroy, 23, who is working in stores, added: “I love it. I’ve settled in well. I am now working more independently in a very supportive team.”
Sherry McBain ARRC, Head of Nursing and Clinical Services at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, said: “It’s been a learning curve for all involved, and the benefits are mutual and significant.
“From a personal perspective, seeing the growth in confidence and capability has been inspiring and heart-warming.”
Life on the Isle is better after hip surgery
Beach lover Lyndsey Pickering, 70, who runs a holiday cottage business on the Isle of Wight, was seriously blighted by hip pain.
She loves nothing more than visiting her beach hut for sea swims, or cycling around the very hilly local area. But hip pain put a stop to all her favourite activities and she started relying on a walking stick.
The waiting list for a hip replacement on the Isle of Wight was two years, but her GP mentioned she could travel to Southampton and be seen much sooner.
Like many people, Lyndsey says she had no idea she could travel to cut her NHS waiting list.
Lyndsey says: “Unbelievably an appointment came through about two weeks later for a consultation with surgeon, Mr Parker, at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton.
“I had two appointments prior to surgery and both were on time. I found all the staff relaxed and unhurried and very efficient.
“I enjoyed a very quick recovery time after surgery… the physio team seemed very pleased with my progress, as were Mr. Parker and the nursing team who also remembered me when I had my review. The whole experience has been life changing and I’m
really
very grateful for the care
I’ve
received. I’m back in the game again now, busy as ever and enjoyed my first sea dip in April –just a few months after surgery!”
“I enjoyed a very quick recovery time after surgery… the physio team seemed very pleased with my progress”
Hip surgery a breath of fresh air for keen walker, Gerald
Gerald Goddard, 82, is over the moon with the treatment he’s received from Practice Plus Group’s new hospital in Birmingham. Having had his right hip replaced at the hospital, he’s planning to go back to have his left hip fixed too, and says the surgery has been life changing.
From not being able to leave the house for his regular walks – or even pop to the shops – for over four months due to hip pain, Gerald feels optimistic about his future.
He says: “I’d been in quite a bit of pain with my hips for some time which was getting in the way of my passion for walking and my general independence. My wife and I love to walk three or four miles a day whatever the weather. When my hips started leaving me house bound with the pain, I went to see my GP to see if I could get something done.
“My GP sent me for X-rays which confirmed that one hip was definitely in need of replacing and the other was not much better either. At the time, I’d heard that the waiting time for NHS hip surgery in my area was around two years, so I decided to bite the bullet and look at private options. Being stuck in the house for around four months was taking its toll on me mentally, so I was determined to do something as quickly as possible.
“I decided to pay privately for a hip replacement and started looking on Google for consultants near Rugby.
“From my online searches, I discovered that Practice Plus Group had recently opened a new hospital in Edgbaston,
Birmingham, which was an easy distance from our home. They had a private healthcare service called Wellsoon and I liked their flat fee structure which was very simple to understand and you knew what you were paying from the off.
“By noon I was back on the ward and by 2pm that afternoon I was standing up.”
“I was quoted one price at the start which was a very impressive feature. You know where you stand and there are no add-ons if you need extra appointments. All the tests, surgery and aftercare like physio were included, it’s really terrific.
“From the receptionists to the wonderful food, the hospital gave a really good impression from the first visit. The food would certainly not look out of place in a top restaurant.
“What I didn’t know at the time was that I was the first patient to be operated on that day – and in fact the very first patient to be operated on in the new hospital! It went like clockwork and I was treated so well, with kindness and care.
“By noon I was back on the ward and by 2pm that afternoon I was standing up. It was incredible! Finally my hip was no longer in pain and for the first time in a long while I could stand up with no pain in my hip, just a bit of soreness from the surgery.
“I can’t recommend the team enough. I just wish I’d done something sooner. I’m recovering well and have started seeing the physio and have had all the surgical clips removed. It couldn’t have gone better. I’m looking forward to getting back to walking again with my wife and feel I have a new sense of optimism after surgery. From being house bound to looking forward to life after surgery and getting back to the hobbies I enjoy is a wonderful feeling.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF FERENC TOTH
CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC CONSULTANT
Tell us about yourself and your role
I am a primary hip and knee surgeon. I also do knee arthroscopies and hand surgery and I have been working at Practice Plus Group hospital in Barlborough for 20 years – as long as the hospital has been here. We celebrate our 20th birthday this year.
What made you want to become a surgeon?
I have always been interested in biology and how the human body works – the mechanics of it. And I was lucky enough to have mentors who supported me and encouraged me to be a surgeon.
It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling to help people, to free them of pain and give them their quality of life back.
On the other hand, the surgeon job is very interesting, very exciting, and requires a lot of skill and a lot of knowledge.
The surgeon must have good leadership quality, as we have to make a decision very quickly in different surgical situations. This is a lovely job and I just love it.
What can someone expect if they’re going to have an appointment with a consultant?
Before the patient comes to our hospital, we mail a few documents that the patient has to fill in. So when the patient arrives at the hospital, they go to the reception and submit this document which was filled in previously.
The first assessment is with the surgeon. We take the patient’s past medical history, their social life, the family circumstances and we ask different questions about the
affected joint and how it impacts their life.
Afterwards we have to examine the joint and send the patient for an X-ray. If an X-ray was done in another hospital prior to preassessment, the X ray department will request this from the other hospital so we don’t have to repeat it. Sometimes we need an MRI, or CT scan, too.
The next step is the physical examination. We use various tests to examine the joint, for example where the pain is, any swelling, stability, range of motion and so on.
We can give the patient our view about the condition of the affected joint and we give treatment options for the patient. We try to give personalised treatment advice for the patient.
And we have to agree with the patient what is the best option for them, and finally, I explain that the surgery is going to be done
in such and such a way, any risk of complications, and how we are going to manage physiotherapy and rehabilitation afterwards.
At our hospital the surgeon who pre-assesses the patient is going to do the surgery and this surgeon is going to follow the patient up to the six weeks post-op – so we try to provide the continuity of care for every private patient.
Why do some people choose to go private with Wellsoon private healthcare at Practice Plus Group? It’s a much shorter waiting time of between four and six weeks from pre-assessment to surgery.
Usually it’s because the patient wants to get rid of the pain as soon as possible. They want to go back to the regular, normal, daily activity, get back their movement, the freedom, increase their social life, improve their family life, like playing with the grandchildren.
So the quicker the surgery, the quicker the recovery.
Private patients don’t need a referral from the GP – they can come straight to us, for the preassessment consultation and to get the treatment.
How do people hear about us?
Often through word of mouth – one patient tells a friend that this hospital is fantastic, clean, the food is lovely, the patient care is absolutely fantastic.
Also we have a lot of repeat business – if I did surgery on one side, the patient comes back to me when they need another joint replacement on the other side!
EXPERT Q&A
Q What is an MRI scan?
A MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It’s a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and computer processing to create highly detailed images of organs and tissues – without using ionizing radiation.
Q What are MRI scans used for?
A MRI provides images of soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and organs which are far superior to X-rays and CT scans. These aid surgical planning, guiding therapy, and evaluating treatment effectiveness. We specialise in MSK (musculoskeletal) scanning which helps assess tendons, ligament, cartilage, bone and degenerative changes in joints. We also scan a lot of spines to look into disc herniation and associated disc diseases, and we scan heads and ears to help detect Multiple Sclerosis, tumours, inflammations and aneurysms, and pelvises for anorectal fistula, rectal cancers and gynaecological studies.
We also carry out MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) studies, to examine the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. This is particularly useful
To shed light on how MRI works, what it’s used for, and what patients can expect, we spoke to Sharad Daniel, Senior Radiographer at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostic Centre, Buckinghamshire, who shared his insights into the benefits, safety, and patient experience of MRI scans.
in detecting bile duct blockages, gallbladder stones and fluid-filled cysts within the pancreas, which have the potential to become cancerous.
We are further exploring the possibility to offer whole body scans.
Q What is a whole body scan?
A It is a non-invasive scan of the entire body, focusing on soft tissues, organs, bones, and joints, which takes around 45 to 60 minutes.
They can be important in cancer screening for individuals who are at high risk of developing cancer, monitoring disease progression without exposure to radiation, detecting inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and finally preventive screening for high-risk individuals.
Q How can someone get referred for an MRI?
A NHS patients are referred by their GPs. We also cater to private patients, who can refer themselves or get a private referral for example through a private practitioner, chiropractor, or physiotherapist.
Q What safety measures are there in place for MRI scans?
A We have a very robust screening system pre MRI
scan. All patients are given a safety form to fill and this is checked in three stages, firstly by the scheduling staff then the radiology assistant and finally by the radiographer performing the scan.
Patient safety is of utmost important here in our centre. Some of the things we look out for are pace-makers, aneurysm clips, neuro stimulators, unsafe metal implants and jewellery.
Q What happens during the MRI scan?
A Patients are provided with earplugs and headphones to protect against the loud noises produced by the MRI machine. An emergency buzzer is given to each patient, serving as the main line of communication with the MRI staff. This buzzer is used if the patient needs to stop the scan due to issues like discomfort or claustrophobia.
Some patients may experience significant anxiety or claustrophobia, but our spacious, well-lit MRI room helps create a calming environment. Additionally, we use specific techniques to ensure a smoother experience – such as playing music, engaging in conversation between scan sequences, or asking patients to perform simple tasks like reverse counting, which can be very effective in easing anxiety.
Patients are instructed to remain as still as possible during the scan, and most
Find out more
scans can be completed in about 12 minutes.
Q How are results delivered?
A NHS scan results are reported within 48 hrs and then sent across to the GP or other referring professional within three to five days. You can then book an appointment with the appropriate person to discuss your results. We also have an urgent service for critical cases, with a turnaround time of just three hours. This would be for example to check for an aneurysm, a bulge in a blood vessel – which can be very serious if it ruptures – lesions in the brain or tumours. Private MRI scan reports are shared within two to three days and a copy sent to your GP for information only.
Q What do you enjoy about your role?
A I’ve been with Practice Plus Group (previously Care UK) for 16 years, having worked in multiple locations including Birmingham, Havant and Portsmouth. I recently qualified as a reporting radiographer after training through the company, with mentorship under our consultants from Shepton Mallet and Emersons Green hospitals. Practice Plus Group has been incredibly supportive of my career development, including in radiation protection and infection control. I’m very grateful for the opportunities and encouragement I’ve received all these years.
MRI scans are available at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics Centre, Buckinghamshire, as well as at our hospitals in Birmingham, Barlborough, Emersons Green, Shepton Mallet, Plymouth and Southampton, for both NHS patients (ask your GP for a referral) and those who choose to use our Wellsoon private healthcare service. Private MRI scans with Wellsoon cost £334 for one body part, which is what the majority of patients require. Call us on 03330 606 294 to chat about your options.
Why wait?
CROSSWORD COMPETITION
Complete and send in the form below with your crossword to be entered into a prize draw and the chance to win a £50 John Lewis voucher. The closing date is 11th August 2025. Ts and Cs below.
Apologies for an error in the spring edition crossword. A winner will be still be drawn from the entries submitted.
Across 1 Grounded, straightforward (4-2-5)
7 Foe (5)
8 Log tossed in the Highlands? (5)
9 Boneless cut (6)
12 Squander (4)
13 Bird’s home (4)
15 Angora goat fibre (6)
19 Harold ___, silent film comedian (5)
20 Chop, swipe (5)
21 Sugary baking ingredient (6,5) Down
1 Fielding position, in cricket (4,4,3)
2 No need to reinvent this! (5)
3 Culinary herb (5)
4 Engrave using acid (4)
5 Dissenter, nonconformist (5)
6 Idolise (4-7)
10 Fate (3)
11 Male cat (3)
12 Expression of disapproval or disappointment (3)
14 Capital of South Korea (5)
16 Britpop band (5)
17 Red , US firefighter (5)
18 Not in use; lazy (4)
Summer 2025 Prize Crossword Entry Form
Fill in your details below and send your completed crossword to: Practice Plus Group Comms, Ground Floor, 1330 Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4SA
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
PRIZE DRAW TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Postcode:
So are we. That’s why our hip and knee consultations are just £95, guaranteed. Your £95 consultation includes*:
9 Specialist consultant appointment
9 X-rays and blood tests
9 A tailored treatment plan
We specialise in hip and knee surgery. Call us today and take the first step to getting back to your best.
