Urgent Care Centre - The Wellington Hospital

02/07/2024

We are delighted to say that HCA UK Laboratories have won three awards at the 2024 Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Awards.

🏆 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)
🏆 Training & Development
🏆 Biomedical Science Champion

Commenting on our equality, diversity and inclusion approach, the IBMS credited HCA UK as a "a beacon for others to learn from.”

Congratulations to the HCA UK Labs team for the wins, and a huge thank you for playing such an active and engaged role in making HCA UK a great place to work and develop your career.

📸 HCA UK Labs Training Manager, Victoria Moyse and Head of Culture, Colleague Communications & Engagement, Mark Forrest, proudly accepting the awards from hosts, IBMS President, Joanna Andrew and Comedian, Author and Anaesthetist, Ed Patrick.

Explore our laboratories and scientists roles and join our award-winning team: https://ow.ly/7AcK50StxBG

01/07/2024

Today we are proud to open the doors to our £18m, 20,000 sq ft state-of-the-art outpatient centre in the heart of Canary Wharf.

HCA Healthcare UK Canary Wharf Outpatients builds on our existing capability in the City and aims to meet the growing demand for fast access to high-quality private healthcare in convenient locations.

It offers access to an expert team of care, offering:

✅ GP appointments
✅ Health screening
✅ Consultant expertise across the breadth of medical specialties, from cardiac to orthopaedics
✅ Specialist clinics including men’s and women’s health services
✅ Imaging and diagnostics - including x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, specialist breast screening, and blood tests

Services reflect an increased focus on preventative health and early detection in corporate health, which often translates to better outcomes and shorter treatment episodes for patients, and faster returns to the health and productivity of teams.

Operated by London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK Canary Wharf offers seamless referrals into our wider network of hospitals and specialist clinics if onward care is needed.

26/06/2024

Meet Bode, who had successful surgery aged 14 to correct adolescent scoliosis and was back playing sports and riding a horse in just a few months.

Bode had no idea she was developing an excessive curvature in her spine until a school friend spotted it when they were changing for PE at age 12. Her mum, Cassie, booked an appointment with HCA UK Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon Mr Jonathan Lucas, who told them her spinal curve was progressing very quickly. “He said that without surgery, it would start to really impact my chest and lung capacity in later life and may affect my ability to run around and play sports,” shares Bode.

Bode’s operation was scheduled at the renowned The Portland Hospital. The team successfully fitted Bode with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. “Comparing the before and after X-rays, they managed to make my spine perfectly straight which was incredible,” says Bode.

Her recovery was one of the fastest Mr Lucas has ever seen. Just two weeks after the surgery, Bode was back at school. She was playing volleyball again within a month, scuba diving in Santorini, and cantering a horse across a beach in the Dominican Republic within three months. “It was sooner than Mr Lucas advised, to be honest! But I felt so well that I just went for it.”

Despite studying for GCSEs, Bode now finds the time to reassure other young patients facing spinal surgery.

Find out more about how we treat scoliosis in adolescents: https://ow.ly/r1HP50SpPWN

25/06/2024

Did you know there are over 24,000 people living with Myeloma in the UK, with 1 in 4 patients diagnosed under the age of 65. Today we're sharing Vanessa's story.

Vanessa was 38 years old when what started as persistent back pain, led her to specialists at HCA Healthcare UK, and resulted in an unexpected diagnosis of Myeloma.

Myeloma, also referred to as multiple myeloma is an incurable type of blood cancer. Over the years there have been many advancements in treatment and new breakthrough therapies continue to develop rapidly. This means that more people like Vanessa are living with Myeloma for longer than ever before.

Almost 14 years after her initial diagnosis Vanessa continues to receive her care at HCA Healthcare UK, under the expertise of Professor Kwee Yong. Last year she was one of the first patients in the UK to benefit from bispecific antibodies - a new type of immunotherapy.

Read Vanessa's story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/vanessas-story

20/06/2024

❓Did you know it's reported that 1 in 3 people don't attend their cervical screening tests❓

Cervical screening helps detect high-risk HPV and early cell changes to prevent cervical cancer developing.

See below for three frequently asked questions about cervical screening.

17/06/2024

Meet Kriti Singh, an IT Product Manager from London, who faced a daunting challenge just months before her wedding. After a dance injury at her 30th birthday party in Varanasi, she was diagnosed with a full ACL rupture in her 'good' knee. With a history of knee issues and three surgeries already behind her, Kriti was understandably hesitant.

Thanks to the expertise of Mr. Simon Thompson at The Lister Hospital, Kriti underwent a successful ACL reconstruction and two corrective surgeries on her left knee. Remarkably, her recovery was swift and smooth, allowing her to walk, exercise, and even return to work within weeks.

“The recovery process was completely different to my previous experiences,” says Kriti. “There was no knee brace, I could weight bear, and there was hardly any pain. I was on my feet and in the gym within two weeks and back to work in just six weeks. I'm completely pain free now, which is a lovely surprise!”

Read Kriti’s full story of resilience and expert care, resulting in her walking down the aisle in January 2024, pain-free!
https://ow.ly/l3OV50SjOPv

13/06/2024

"We are helping people to get better, which makes the role really fulfilling. It is rewarding to be part of one of the many teams that ensures the smooth running of a hospital and a first-class patient experience. Our people [at HCA UK] are one of our biggest assets! We have a lot of people who take so much pride in their work and go above and beyond."

Today we are shining a spotlight on our colleague Roma Arya, Head of Housekeeping.

Roma leads a team of over 400 people, responsible for ensuring the highest standards in the environments across our network of care.

Thank you, Roma and to all of our vital housekeeping colleagues for your dedication and hard work!

Learn more about Roma's career journey here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/life-at-hca/from-hotels-to-healthcare-romas-story/

Meet Roma, Head of Housekeeping, and find out more about the role our housekeeping teams play in delivering an exceptional patient experience.

11/06/2024

For the entire month of June, our hospitals will be illuminated in the vibrant colours of the Pride flag, symbolising our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.

We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Our commitment to diversity and equality is reflected not only in our policies but also in our daily practices and interactions.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

10/06/2024

❔ Did you know that up to 50% of people in the UK with atrial fibrillation arrhythmias are undiagnosed, or that between six and eight million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Many heart conditions go undiagnosed which, if left unchecked, could cause serious health issues. That's why we have launched the HCA UK Heart Health Check, available across our 15 centres of cardiac care.

This comprehensive and personalised set of tests administered under the care of one of our leading cardiologists, empowers patients to gain a deeper understanding of their heart health, discuss any risks, and take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

As the leading independent provider of cardiac care, treating more patients than any other provider in the sector, we are ensuring that patients have fast access to a high quality and expert overview of their heart health.

The HCA UK Heart Health Check includes:
✅ 35 different lab tests, including specialty heart risk biomarkers
✅ An echocardiogram to assess the heart's structure and function
✅ An ECG to check for an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia)
✅ A score to assess your future heart and stroke risk

All tests are performed in a single appointment. To find out more visit: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/heart-health-check

06/06/2024

Today is and we’re proud of the vital role our biomedical scientists and laboratory colleagues play in providing exceptional patient care.

Thank you for all that you do!

30/05/2024

Giving birth is one of life's most significant events, and at HCA UK's The Portland Hospital, the only wholly private hospital in the country dedicated to the care of women and children, we always aim to provide access to empowered choice.

This is a choice guided by clinical expertise from our leading obstetrics consultants and experienced, compassionate midwifery and nursing teams. It's a choice with the backup of neonatal intensive care and critical care should mum or baby need it, and it's a choice underpinned by the consistency of care.

Thanks to Shazia Malik for capturing our ethos so eloquently in her conversation with The Independent about the choice to have a caesarean.

Read the full article here: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/c-section-doctor-caesarean-doctor-b2547901.html

28/05/2024

Last month the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) published their latest statistics revealing the busiest centres for complex and major endometriosis surgery in the UK.

We are proud to be the UK's largest independent provider of specialist endometriosis care with 4 accredited endometriosis centres at London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital and The Lister Hospital.

For many women, getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a long process, and that's why we have ensured that across our network of health, our patients can access the nation's leading experts in the condition.

We want to give a huge thank you to our specialist teams for your expertise and the positive impact you are making in women’s lives.

You can find out more about our specialist endometriosis care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/conditions/endometriosis

📸 Leading endometriosis consultant Shaheen Khazali at one of The Lister Hospital's outpatient clinics in the Battersea/Nine Elms area of London.

21/05/2024

Meet Judith, a retired physiotherapist and artist, who endured knee pain since her forties. At 80, she decided to find a solution.

“For decades, I had patellofemoral pain. My GP recommended anti-inflammatories, so I just carried on. As a physiotherapist, I knew staying active was crucial. I designed gardens, took up acrylic painting, and enjoyed hill walking,” Judith shares.

After moving to Wales, her knee pain worsened. “Eight years ago, I saw an orthopaedic surgeon who gave me patella injections every six months. They were marvellous but temporary. The pandemic halted the injections, leaving me without treatment for four years.”

Back in London, Judith faced increased pain and opted for a knee replacement. Referred to Mr. Thompson at The Lister Hospital, she felt confident about the innovative patient-specific joint he recommended.

Judith recalls, “The Lister Hospital staff were friendly and professional. The surgery and spinal anaesthetic were seamless. After one night, I was discharged. My recovery has been incredible – walking without aids after a week and two miles daily after six weeks.”

Now, Judith enjoys a full range of movement and follows a physiotherapy program. “I do more than the average person, strengthening my knee, back, core, and other leg.”

What’s next for Judith? “Everything London has to offer, starting with the art galleries!”

Read Judith's full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/decades-of-knee-pain-judiths-story

16/05/2024

When it comes to your heart, you need the best treatment possible, as soon as possible.

We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, in state-of-the-art facilities, with dedicated experienced teams.

Learn more about our expert cardiac care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/cardiac-care

14/05/2024

Husband and wife Paul and Christine share their melanoma diagnosis and care they received at The Christie Private Care, highlighting the importance of early detection and sun safety.

Paul noticed a small spot on his arm before a routine checkup, leading to a melanoma diagnosis. Christine's vigilance after Paul's diagnosis led to her own melanoma discovery. Both swiftly sought care at The Christie Private Care, where they received prompt, specialist treatment.

Their advice? Don't rely on the internet for diagnosis; see a doctor if you notice changes on your skin. Christine says “If you are worried about something on your skin do not rely on the internet to diagnose you. If you've got a lesion or a spot that's suddenly appeared, or it's changing, you must see a doctor."

Paul adds, "Times have changed and that's positive but there needs to be even more awareness of the damage that we’re doing to ourselves. Wear hats, cover up, use sunscreen. There are so many ways you can prevent that damage happening in the first place."

Read Paul and Christine’s full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/an-unexpected-melanoma-diagnosis-for-husband-and-wife

10/05/2024

This week, in recognition of both International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, we've been celebrating our incredible nurses and midwives across HCA UK.

As part of our celebrations, we hosted a special event at the Royal Society of Medicine bringing together colleagues to reflect on our shared achievements, look to the road ahead and of course, say a huge 'thank you' for the care they provide to our patients.

“Nurses and midwives, show up; they come together as a team, and they support each other to achieve incredible things. I am proud to be a member of this community and I am constantly inspired by the meaningful contribution our nurses and midwives make, and by the expertise and the kindness and compassion they show every day.”

Carol Kefford OBE, Chief Nursing Executive

So here's to all of our incredible nurses and midwives - thank you for your dedication to exceptional patient care.

📸 A few images from our event at the Royal Society of Medicine!

09/05/2024

As record numbers sign up for the 2025 London Marathon, Dr. Robin Chatterjee, Consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport & Exercise Medicine at, Chelsea and Chiswick Outpatients Centres, and the The ISEH - Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, all part of HCA Healthcare UK, discusses how a sudden enthusiasm for running has led to a spike in conditions like tendonitis and shin splints. 🏃‍♀️

To combat these injuries, Dr. Chatterjee advocates for a holistic approach to treatment, considering factors such as weight, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, mental health, gynaecological factors, family history, and medication. This comprehensive approach aims to address underlying issues and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. "I look at the whole person, including any lifestyle or medical factors that brought upon this pain. At least half of my patients are actually experiencing a non-musculoskeletal issue manifesting in physical pain and injury, so we explore lots of different areas. It’s a very holistic approach."

For certain patients, this could involve addressing an underlying medical condition contributing to foot and ankle pain. Alternatively, it might entail modifying the training routine to alleviate strain on bones, tendons, and ligaments, opting for footwear with better support, achieving a healthier balance between exercise and rest, or addressing emotional concerns.

Before embarking on a running regimen, it's advisable to seek guidance from a sports medicine specialist or physiotherapist to ensure a safe and sustainable approach.

Read more about Dr. Robin Chatterjee’s holistic approach to treating running injuries here: https://lnkd.in/eKaipTqw

08/05/2024

Meet Sally Rowe, Critical Care Matron at The Harley Street Clinic. Sally has over 34 years of experience providing care in an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) setting. Here she explains more about her role and her advice for those considering a career in ITU nursing…

As a bedside nurse and shift leader, having the knowledge, skills, and experience to support patients who need the highest levels of care is essential. So too is being able to offer support and clear communication to their friends and family.

"I am guided by a mantra of care, compassion, and dignity, it’s so important for me that I care for patients in the way I would hope to be cared for if I were in their situation. I feel hugely privileged to work with such a dedicated and expert team of colleagues at The Harley Street Clinic. We really do support each other to provide the best care that we can, and we do it with comradery and mutual respect."

For those considering a career in an ITU Sally recommends gaining at least a year of experience on general wards for a better patient journey perspective and to also be prepared for challenging but fulfilling experience;

“When I first embarked on my ITU career I was in awe of how skilled and knowledgeable the ICU nursing team was, and I never thought I could get to that level. It was a steep learning curve but very rewarding.”

Huge thanks to Sally for sharing her experience, and to the over 200 specialist ITU colleagues we have across our hospitals.

Find out more about careers with us in ITU here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/

07/05/2024

Do you check your moles?

This we're sharing the A-G guide of things you should be looking for when checking your moles.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body but it’s more common in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. The first sign is usually a new spot on the skin, or a change in shape, size or colour of an existing mole or freckle.

Checking your skin regularly means that you can spot changes early and get them checked by your GP or a dermatologist.

Watch the video below or visit our skin cancer hub to find out more: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/news/campaigns/skin-cancer-awareness

02/05/2024

We are proud to announce an £18m investment in specialist healthcare for women, with the launch of two new outpatient centres.

The state-of-the art facilities will draw on leading and specialist expertise from The Lister Hospital , The Harley Street Clinic and The Princess Grace Hospital to offer healthcare for women at every stage of their lives. They have been designed to ensure that all aspects of women's healthcare can be accessed in one place including, one-stop gynaecology and breast screening with 3D and contrast mammogram, alongside expertise in menopause, and other health conditions.

🏥 The £4.5m Chelsea Outpatients at 272 Kings Road will open on 7 May. Alongside specialist outpatient care it will enable seamless access into nearby The Lister Hospital for onward care if it is needed, including into its BGSE accredited Endometriosis Centre.

🏥 Opening in Summer 2024, the 13,000 square foot Women’s Health Centre on Harley Street will include 16 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and its own 3T MRI and DEXA scanner. It will offer a private GP service with doctors who specialise in healthcare for women.

We recognise there are medical conditions that affect women disproportionately or differently and this has been our guide, ensuring that the services, consultant expertise and the specialist care we offer reflects these needs.

📸 Image 1: Women’s Health Centre at Harley Street
📸 Images 2 and 3: Inside the Women's Health Centre
📸 Image 4: The reception at Chelsea Outpatients

For more information about our dedicated women's health care visit: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/healthcare-for-women

30/04/2024

🎉 Huge congratulations to The Wellington Hospital team on this milestone moment. 50 years of providing exceptional patient care! Thank you for all you have done, and will continue to do for our patients.

What has The Wellington Hospital got in common with the Rubik’s Cube and Leonardo Di Caprio?

We’re turning 50.

That’s half a century improving the lives of countless patients just like you, giving them and their families unwavering support and high-quality care.

A lot has changed since April 25, 1974, but the things that define our hospital have stayed the same – namely the dedication, passion, and hard work of each and every one of our team.

Our hospital's success is their success.

If you’d like to make a real impact in the wellbeing of your community, try a career at HCA UK: https://hcacareers.co.uk/

29/04/2024

In 2022 Rivania joined the Occupational Therapy team at London Bridge Hospital after relocating from South Africa. Now, she’s a Lead Occupational Therapist at The Wellington Hospital.

“HCA [UK] were able to offer me a relocation package and support with adjusting to life in the UK. Furthermore, the benefits and support structures in place for staff members stood out to me. Because of the amazing career development at HCA [UK] I can see myself staying here for the long term.”

If you’re an Occupational Therapist looking for a new role then we’d love to hear from you. Read more about Rivania’s rapid career progression and see our current vacancies here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/life-at-hca/growing-careers-in-occupational-therapy/

Explore Rivania's journey to becoming a Lead Occupational Therapist at HCA UK. Join a supportive team committed to your growth and success.

29/04/2024

Our team at The Christie Private Care are have recently been awarded the Myeloma Clinical Service Excellence Programme Accreditation, recognising best practice, patient focused, myeloma care. This is the second time the team have achieved this prestigious accreditation.

Kate Johnston, Chief Nursing Officer said: I am incredibly proud of the team and their continuous commitment to providing every patient with individualised treatment and care. Patients gave feedback that they can access help promptly if they need to, feel involved in decisions about their treatment and care, and feel able to raise any fears or concerns they have with the team. Achieving this accreditation for the second time is testament to the teams unwavering focus on each individual and further supports our mission to care for and improve lives."

📸 Some of the team at The Christie Private along with a patient, who awarded the team with a certificate to mark this achievement.

26/04/2024

Last week The Harborne Hospital shared a huge milestone as the first independent hospital in the West Midlands to carry out a robot-assisted procedure using our da Vinci Xi robot. Well done to everyone involved!

26/04/2024

❔ Have you heard of Lynch syndrome ❔

Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that increases a person’s risk of developing some types of cancer, including bowel cancer.

If you have a known family history of bowel cancer you may benefit from genetic counselling and potentially genetic testing to understand your personal risk. Knowing if you have Lynch syndrome can enable you to access appropriate screening to monitor for any pre-cancerous changes or early-stage cancers, catching these early can make them more treatable.

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we spoke to Dr Anju Kulkarni, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at London Bridge Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic, to understand more about Lynch syndrome: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blogs/lynch-syndrome-q-and-a

25/04/2024

We are incredibly proud to be the first healthcare provider in the UK to offer patients access to da Vinci Single Port robotic technology.

This transformative technology enables surgeons access to the different tools they need on a single robotic arm through an incision smaller than 3cm.

Consultant urological surgeons Mr Ben Challacombe, Professor Christopher Eden and Mr Declan Cahill at London Bridge Hospital have performed the first surgeries in the country using this tech from Intuitive. It is initially being used to support patients undergoing surgery for urological conditions including prostate, kidney and bladder cancers.

Single Port joins our 8 da Vinci Xi multiport surgical systems, which have enabled us to perform over 6000 robotic surgeries across our network - the most in the UK independent sector.

Pictured here is our surgical team, with Dr Simone Crivellaro, Associate Professor in Minimally Invasive Urology and the Director of Minimally Invasive Urology at University of Illinois at Chicago an esteemed mentor in Single Port who supported the team with its introduction.

Find out more about da Vinci Single Port surgical system here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/about-hca-uk/robotics-and-technology-at-hca/da-vinci-single-port-surgical-system

24/04/2024

“[Thanks to AHSCT] I'm able to walk unaided, I'm able to run after my son I'm able to cook. I wasn't able to use my right hand for long periods of time - I'm able to carry my child. I think there's definitely moments I forget I have MS.”

Reema was in her early twenties when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord causing serious disability.

After living what she describes as an 'active, fun, buzzing’ lifestyle, her diagnosis came as a complete shock and she was worried about her future.

As her symptoms began to worsen, she went to see Dr Majid Kazmi, Consultant Haematologist, at the JACIE accredited London Bridge Hospital. He told her she was suitable for AHSCT, a stem cell transplantation that aims to ‘reboot’ the immune system, to stop it attacking itself and repair any existing damage.

Find out more about AHSCT for MS here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/treatments/stem-cell-treatment-for-ms

23/04/2024

As part of our Earth Day Celebrations this week, our colleagues signed up to take sustainable action and were given a plant as a reminder of their pledge.

Thank you Windowflowers for helping us with the event, and for planting pollinator-friendly plants around our hospitals.

We are committed to the care and improvement of human life. We know that the health of humanity and the health of the planet are inextricably linked, and so reducing our environmental impact is fundamental to our mission.

For more information on our sustainability journey, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ePZiyx2p

22/04/2024

Bowel cancer is on the rise in younger people, but do we know what's behind this increase in cases?

Although bowel cancer is most common in people over the age of 50, in recent years there has been an increasing trend in younger adults being diagnosed with the disease. Here, Mr Alaistair Windsor, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Chairman of our GI Tumour Board, shares his expert insights into what could be driving these changes and how younger people can manage their bowel cancer risk: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blogs/the-rise-of-bowel-cancer-in-a-younger-population

09/04/2024

"I was in intensive care for just over 12 hours. The Harley Street Clinic team were amazing. They exceeded my expectations."

Meet Andrew, a competitive swimmer and winner at the Royal Navy Masters Open. For years, and despite several surgeries, he suffered from a condition called atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF). This is a condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

After seeking out the expertise of Dr Oliver Segal, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, and Mr John Yap, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, both at The Harley Street Clinic, Andrew was advised to have a convergent ablation procedure. This is designed for people with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

"When I met Andrew he had already undergone three AF ablation procedures under two different cardiologists. He was still struggling with AF and I knew he needed something more than just a repeat procedure, so I recommended the hybrid surgical-endocardial convergent AF ablation approach that John Yap and I could offer as giving him the best chances of success”, said Dr Segal.

Since his procedure, which required a 12-hour planned stay in the hospital’s dedicated intensive care unit, Andrew hasn’t experienced any atrial fibrillation episodes. He is back swimming at almost the same speed he had before the condition and has gone on to win even more competitions.

🔗 Read Andrew's story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/swimmer-overcomes-atrial-fibrillation-with-gold-medal-glory