HCA Healthcare UK

15/04/2026

Today is International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day 🔬 We’re proud to spotlight the essential role our laboratory teams play, not only in delivering outstanding diagnostics, but also in shaping a more sustainable future for healthcare.

From our continued drive to become My Green Lab accredited, to our paper reduction programme and our upcoming plan to pilot a Switch Off Optimisation scheme - we are making meaningful progress in reducing our environmental footprint.

Charles Percy, CEO of HCA Healthcare UK Laboratories shares: “Across our laboratories, we’re continuing to evolve how we work, finding smarter, more efficient ways to deliver high-quality diagnostics while being mindful of our wider impact. I’m incredibly proud of our teams for the thought, care and innovation they bring to this work.”

📸 Pictured here is our Microbiology team with Charles, who have reintroduced the recycling of plastic pipette tip holder boxes this year.

13/04/2026

Real stories like Sophia’s are helping to reshape the conversation around fertility and choice.
After choosing to freeze her eggs at HCA Healthcare UK’s Lister Fertility Clinic, Sophia shares her experience with Women's Health UK from navigating uncertainty to finding reassurance in taking control of her future.

This carousel highlights some of Sophia's reflections in her own words.

🔗Read more from Sophia here https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/preview/health/female-health/a70735318/egg-freezing-hca-healthcare-lister-clinic-sophia-seymour/?content=4253f66b-8916-41d1-ae3d-276525e4a546&type=standard-article

11/04/2026

Today, on World Parkinson’s Day, we’re highlighting the importance of understanding Parkinson’s disease, recognised as the world’s fastest growing neurological condition.

According to Parkinson’s UK, the number of people affected globally is predicted to reach 25 million by 2050.

As populations age, awareness of the risk factors, early signs and symptoms has never been more important, especially when it comes to recognising changes in yourself or someone close to you.

Dr Bal Athwal, Consultant Neurologist at HCA Healthcare UK’s The Wellington Hospital, shares expert insight on the disease, including what to look out for, when to seek advice and practical ways to live well with Parkinson’s.

🔗 Read the full article here:

According to the charity Parkinson’s UK, by 2050, it’s predicted that the number of people affected by Parkinson’s disease will

10/04/2026

Cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens your heart muscle and affects its ability to pump blood around your body, is more common than many realise. However, it often goes undiagnosed.

In our latest blog Dr Oliver Guttmann, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, explains the three main types of cardiomyopathy, common causes and symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and the latest treatment options including a new medication.

Understanding the signs of cardiomyopathy can make a real difference to early detection and patient outcomes.

🔗 Read more from Dr Guttmann about cardiomyopathy here : https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blog/cardiomyopathy-explained

08/04/2026

April marks the beginning of Stress Awareness Month.

At every stage of our lives, we all experience different levels of stress. Whether from family demands, financial concerns, bereavement, relationship problems or work pressures, stress can negatively impact your health.

However, many people live with chronic stress without realising it, which is when the body remains in a sustained state of tension or alertness due to constant, ongoing pressures, rather than short-term challenges. While chronic stress itself is not a formal medical diagnosis, it is a recognised condition that can significantly impact wellbeing and may contribute to or coexist with other health issues.

In this post, Dr Michael Zemenides, co-founder of the A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, describes the seven key symptoms of chronic stress to look out for.

🔗 Read the full post from Dr Zemenides here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blog/7-signs-you-could-be-chronically-stressed

07/04/2026

We are pleased to announce that The Harborne Hospital is now the first private hospital in the West Midlands to offer renal denervation (RDN), an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for people living with resistant hypertension (high blood pressure).

In the West Midlands alone, around 800,000 people are affected by undiagnosed or untreated hypertension. For patients whose condition cannot be controlled with medication, renal denervation offers an alternative approach, without relying on daily medication.

John Reay, President and CEO at HCA Healthcare UK shared: "The launch of renal denervation procedures builds on our longstanding leadership in cardiovascular care and reinforces our commitment to advancing innovation and improving patient outcomes. By offering renal denervation, we are giving more patients greater choice in how they manage high blood pressure and supporting them in reducing the long‑term risks associated with the condition.”

Thank you to all of our cardiology teams and consultants at The Harborne Hospital. We’re so proud to offer patients an alternative, evidence-based approach that can help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events without the need for daily medication.

📸 Pictured is Dr Farhan Shahid, consultant interventional cardiologist at The Harborne Hospital, alongside the cardiac team who will assist him for renal denervation procedures.

Read the full press release here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/about-us/news-and-press-releases/the-harborne-hospital-first-private-hospital-in-birmingham-to-offer-renal-denervation-treatment

06/04/2026

🎥Multiple Sclerosis – is it genetic?

Recently, Consultant Neurologist Dr Bal Athwal from The Wellington Hospital was featured on the E4 TV show ‘Beyond Chelsea’, starring Binky Felstead, Rosie Fortescue and Lucy Watson.

During the episode, Binky accompanied her mother, Jane, who is living with MS, to see Dr Athwal to discuss how likely it is that she could inherit the condition, as she is concerned about the impact it could have on herself and her young children.

Dr Athwal discussed the genetic risk factor with Binky and Jane, and also the key signs and symptoms someone should look out for if they are worried.

You can watch the full episode on Channel 4 here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/beyond-chelsea/on-demand/78297-001

02/04/2026

In healthcare, we’re often the ones supporting others. But sometimes, it’s our colleagues who need that same care, compassion, and reassurance in return.

Karis, Matron for Governance at The Princess Grace Hospital, went for her routine annual check-up when something unexpected was identified. She was later diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Throughout her journey, it wasn’t just the clinical expertise that made the difference, it was the people. Colleagues who took the time to listen, to reassure, and to go above and beyond to ensure she never felt alone during an incredibly challenging time.

In this video, Karis shares her experience, from diagnosis through to remission and the support she received from colleagues and her treatment team every step of the way.

At HCA UK, we believe caring for our colleagues is just as important as caring for our patients. Karis' story is a powerful reminder that HCA UK is more than a workplace. It’s a community that stands together when it matters most.

01/04/2026

When Alex was 35, she underwent surgery to repair a hole in her heart. A year later, she was diagnosed with atrial flutter, a condition where the heart beats faster due to irregular electrical signals, which was successfully treated.

For decades, she lived a full, active life. But when familiar symptoms returned, she trusted her instincts.

A visit to The Princess Grace Hospital's Urgent Care Centre confirmed her atrial flutter had returned. With expert care from consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Oliver Segal at The Harley Street Clinic, she had cardiac ablation treatment with Medtronic's innovative Affera™ system to precisely target the cells causing her condition.

With a smooth recovery, Alex reflects on her experience: “After just a week’s rest, I went on a countryside walk – it was heaven. The whole experience has reinforced the importance of paying attention to your body, but also seeking support from doctors who really listen to and care for you.”

Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right care, many people with heart rhythm conditions can return to full, active lives 💙

🔗Read her story here

When Alex suspected her heart issues might be reoccurring, her wellness app was among the first to notice the signs. But it was the care she experienced after her diagnosis that felt like the real modern marvel

27/03/2026

🎉Milestone Moment Celebrating 10 years of The Shard Outpatients, part of HCA Healthcare UK

Since opening in 2016, our teams at The Shard Outpatients have supported over 1,000,000 patient encounters and now care for more than 75,000 patients each year.

As the largest and most comprehensive outpatient and diagnostic centre in the UK and Europe, with over 400 specialist consultants and a CQC rating of Outstanding, The Shard Outpatients continues set the benchmark for convenient, high quality care, bringing GP services, health screening, diagnostics, and specialist consultants together under one roof.

As we celebrate with our consultants and colleagues, we are proud of the vital role this site has played in serving our community and strengthening our wider network. The recent opening of Canary Wharf Outpatients and the upcoming launch of St Paul’s Outpatients in 2027 have been shaped by the best practices pioneered at The Shard Outpatients.

Thank you to our patients, teams, consultants and partners who have been part of this journey. Here’s to the next decade of innovation, collaboration and exceptional care. 👏

📸 Photos from our 10 year anniversary event this week.

27/03/2026

"The earlier we can diagnose prostate cancer, the more options we have."

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Christian Brown, Consultant Urologist at HCA Healthcare UK, tells us why early diagnosis can make all the difference, and addresses the fears that too often stop men from seeking advice.

In particular, worries around urinary continence and sexual function being impacted by treatment can stop men from seeking help for their symptoms. But what's important to understand is that the sooner prostate cancer is diagnosed the more effective and less invasive treatment can be, which can mean fewer and less severe side effects. Being diagnosed at an earlier stage can also open up more treatment options, and in some cases, careful monitoring may be all that's needed for a while.

📽️Watch the video and listen to Mr Christian Brown explain why getting checked could be one of the most important decisions you make.

🔗Learn more about prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and care at HCA Healthcare UK: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/services/departments/cancer-care/cancers-we-treat/prostate-cancer

26/03/2026

From plantar fasciitis to tennis elbow, some injuries can become persistent and difficult to treat.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to target chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions, stimulating healing and helping to restore function.

In this video, Lena, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at HCA Healthcare UK’s London Bridge Hospital, explains when it’s used and what to expect from treatment.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, Lena supports patients through treatment and recovery, helping them get back to doing what they love, sooner.

🔗For more information on Shockwave Therapy, visit https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/services/treatments/shockwave-therapy

🔗 See our sports and exercise consultants who can refer for shockwave therapy here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/finder/step-consultant-cards?search=Shockwave%20Therapy&keywordId=676&sortType=relevance&lat=51.507217&lon=-0.1275862&distance=0&limit=12&offset=0