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 or use their health insurance.
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 straightforward access and no hidden costs, you could be back to your best sooner than you think.
Sharad Daniel, Senior Radiographer
WELCOME
to the Winter 2025 issue of Practice Plus Group’s Connect magazine, for our patients and colleagues.
This issue has a theme of new news… Our new MRI machine in High Wycombe which is increasing capacity so we can see more patients, many of whom travel long distances to access our diagnostic scans, our new Excellence Awards winners, a patient story from our newest hospital and more.
Also since the last issue, we have come under new ownership. The hospitals and surgical centres, CATs and diagnostic services we have developed into the outstanding centres they are today –many of which have celebrated their 20th anniversaries this year – have been acquired by a large hospital group, Narayana Health.
We are all extremely excited about our new future with the experience and scale of Narayana turbo boosting everything we do so well. They have enormous ambitions for us and plans to open new hospitals and expand into new services, so watch this space.
As part of this change, I am now Non-executive Chair of Practice Plus Group hospitals, with my long-time deputy and friend Ross Dowsett taking the baton as Chief Executive. Ross has been with Practice Plus Group for 17 years and is an exceptional leader.
This will be my last welcome letter in Connect magazine, with our new Chief Executive stepping in from the next issue. As ever I hope you enjoy this issue – and thank you for choosing Practice Plus Group for your care.
Jim Easton Non-Executive Chair, Practice Plus Group
Two more Practice Plus Group centres celebrate 20 years of patient care
2025 marked a special milestone for Practice Plus Group, as both our Portsmouth and Gillingham Surgical Centres celebrated 20 years of delivering high-quality, compassionate care to their communities. These follow celebrations earlier in 2025 at our hospitals in Shepton Mallet, Barlborough and Plymouth, and at our Buckinghamshire Diagnostics centre. Since opening in 2005, Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth, has supported around 21,000 patients and now cares for more than 11,000 people each month across urgent care, diagnostics and surgery. With 160 dedicated staff, it has some of the shortest waiting times in the region. Hospital Director Kathy Lloyd says: “I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact we continue to have in our community, and we look forward to supporting patients for many more years to come.”
In Gillingham, more than 150,000 patients have been treated over the past two decades. What began with NHS endoscopy and general surgery has expanded to include ophthalmology, minor orthopaedics and Wellsoon private healthcare. Managing Director Debbie Anderson said: “Our success is built on the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our incredible team.”
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, has marked a major milestone after completing its 40,000th joint replacement.
The landmark surgery was carried out for 67-year-old HGV driver Mark Somerset from Dronfield Woodhouse, who underwent a hip replacement performed by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Ferenc Toth.
Mark, who had experienced hip pain for 18 months, said the operation has already been “lifechanging”. He was surprised to learn he was the hospital’s 40,000th joint replacement patient and was presented with a celebratory hamper. He praised the
speed of his treatment, with just a few months between his GP referral and surgery. Before the operation, everyday tasks and work were becoming increasingly difficult, but just two weeks after surgery he was walking for 30 minutes a day.
Mr Toth said: “This milestone reflects two decades of dedication, teamwork and commitment to patient care”. Earlier this year, the hospital also celebrated its 1,000th same-day joint replacement, a programme pioneered at Barlborough in 2018, and its 20th anniversary.
Hospital Director Steve Booker said: “Reaching 40,000 joint replacements in our 20th anniversary year is a remarkable achievement.”
Betty sees her old workplace in a new light
Retired healthcare assistant Betty Rolfe, 77, from Chatham in Kent, recently returned to Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham – where she worked for nearly two decades – to undergo cataract surgery.
After her vision became increasingly blurred and began affecting her daily life and her role caring for her husband, Betty was referred for NHS treatment and received surgery within just a few weeks.
“I had my cataract surgery about a month ago, and it has been absolutely fantastic. Before the operation I couldn’t see a thing without my glasses… Then
suddenly, once the surgery was done, it was like a film had been lifted away and I could see clearly again.”
Betty says the improvement has transformed her independence: “I don’t need my glasses now, which feels so freeing. Being able to see properly makes such a difference day to day.”
Returning to her former workplace was meaningful. “I worked at the hospital from day one, so going back there felt very familiar… It felt like a little family.”
She praised her surgical team: “My surgeon Mr Massimo Sibilio was wonderful. The whole team were so kind and professional.”
Betty Rolfe returns to Gillingham for surgery – with Managing Director, Debbie Anderson
40,000th joint op Mark Somerset with Mr Toth
Dentist Antonio gives back to refugees
At Practice Plus Group, we are lucky to have clinicians who not only care deeply for their patients here at home, but also take that compassion across the world. One of them is oral surgeon Antonio Gagliardi Lugo, from our Southampton hospital, whose dedication to improving dental health recently took him to Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh – the world’s largest refugee camp.
Antonio, who has been part of our hospital family for five years, volunteered in his free time with the Refugee Crisis Foundation to support people who otherwise have no access to dental care. Joining a small team, he spent several days travelling between clinics, carrying equipment, and providing essential treatments. Together they saw around 90 patients a day, offering extractions, fluoride applications, preventative care and vital oral cancer screening.
“In Bangladesh I was both supervising the dentists and treating patients myself,” Antonio said. “We found patients with very suspicious lesions – at least two could have been cancer. Encouraging clinicians to screen early is incredibly important.”
Martha’s Rule
Practice Plus Group is proud to have introduced Martha’s Rule, where a patient or their relative will receive a second opinion of the patient’s condition if they feel they are rapidly deteriorating and their concerns aren’t being heard.
Martha’s Rule is a patient safety initiative to support the early detection of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.
For Antonio, the mission wasn’t just about the patients he treated, but also the local dentists he mentored. Many work in challenging environments with limited resources, and building their confidence is part of creating lasting change. Since returning home, Antonio has continued to meet with the teams in Bangladesh online, supporting clinical governance and case reviews.
This spirit of teaching and developing others is something we see every day at our Southampton hospital. Alongside fellow consultants Adel Elrasheed, Gemma Burrows and Rosario Mela, Antonio plays a key role in our Dental Core Training programme, which helps newly qualified dentists gain hands-on experience in oral surgery and sedation. Southampton is the only centre in the UK that offers sedation training under consultant supervision, and Antonio is proud to be part of it.
“The more we train people, the stronger the dental service becomes – whether that’s here in Southampton or in Bangladesh,” he shared.
Antonio’s own journey adds an extra layer of empathy. Originally from Venezuela, he understands first-hand what it means to start again in a new country. “I’m some sort of refugee myself,” he said. “I know how important it is to get a chance and have access to healthcare.”
Hospital Director John Crisp says Antonio’s commitment embodies the best of Practice Plus Group: “His passion for supporting patients and mentoring clinicians is making a real difference, both locally and internationally. We’re incredibly proud of him.”
Dentist Antonio treating patients in Bangladesh
It was developed in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration.
Central to Martha’s Rule is the right for patients, families and carers to request a rapid review if they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse and their concerns are not being responded to.
Martha’s rule has been adopted by all our hospitals, and our surgical centres in Gillingham and Devizes.
QUALITY MARKS OUT OF 10
We’re delighted to announce a new raft of awards and accreditations across our hospitals and surgical centres.
Our new hospital in Birmingham has achieved Gold NJR Data Provider status, along with our Barlborough, Plymouth and Shepton Mallet hospitals.
The NJR Data Quality Gold Level demonstrates our commitment to accurate data submission and patient safety by ensuring that high-quality data is recorded
and shared with the National Joint Registry for every joint replacement procedure.
As a specialist in orthopaedic surgery, our hospitals complete a large volume of joint replacements every year for both NHS and private patients – most commonly hip and knee replacements – and this recognition demonstrates best practice to ensure the very best in patient outcomes.
Birmingham also achieved Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) Gold Award, which reflects excellence in infection prevention, joining our Shepton Mallet and Barlborough hospitals who achieved this last year.
Shepton Mallet and Gillingham have recently been re-accredited by the Joint Advisory Group, which assess endoscopy services. All of our hospitals have consistently held JAG accreditation, which ensures high quality care is provided to endoscopy patients.
…this recognition demonstrates best practice to ensure the very best in patient outcomes.
Birmingham team celebrates their NJR Award
CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING
“… the reason we are trusted is because of our people”
– Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive
Every year at Practice Plus Group we celebrate our colleagues’ achievements and recognise the fantastic work that goes on every day of the year.
Our Excellence Awards 2025 winners were crowned at a special ceremony at The Landmark London in December. The event was hosted by actress and comedian Lucy Porter who, along with our senior leadership team, presented the awards. Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive, said: “These awards are always a real highlight for me – giving us the opportunity to celebrate all the amazing work and wonderful things that go on across the business every single day. Reading the entries, I felt incredibly proud, impressed and grateful for the fantastic work and for our staff choosing Practice Plus Group. Our vision as a company is to deliver ‘Access to Excellence’ and we strive on a daily basis to practice exceptional healthcare. We are trusted and chosen by patients, and the NHS – and the reason we are trusted is because of our people.”
OUTSTANDING COLLEAGUES
Winners
Medical Professional of the Year
Dr Tahsin Zatman, Consultant
Anaesthetist, Practice Plus Group
Hospital, Emersons Green (nominated for work completed at St Mary’s Portsmouth surgical centre)
Newcomer of the Year
Rebecca Hunt, Patient Services Manager, North West Ophthalmology
Special Recognition, Central Services
IT for the Windows 11 rollout project
Allied Health Professional of the Year
Dawn Webber, Physiotherapist, Practice
Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green
Special Recognition – Secondary Care
Steve Ludlow, Buckinghamshire MSK
Behind the Scenes Worker of the Year
David Ayres, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth
Dr Tahsin Zatman, Consultant Anaesthetist
Rebecca Hunt, Patient Services Manager
Gemma Collier, Nurse Medical Professional Award nominees
STATE-OF-THE-ART MRI NOW OPEN
We were delighted to open our brand-new MRI suite at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire, in October.
The centre is now welcoming patients into the brandnew, cutting-edge MRI suite – part of a £1.5 million development designed to deliver an even better patient experience, expand diagnostic capacity, and provide faster access to diagnostic scans for patients.
An MRI scan is a safe and effective way of creating detailed images of inside the body, helping consultants to understand specific issues and arrive at a diagnosis.
For over 20 years, the centre in High Wycombe has been a trusted part of the local community, carrying out tens of thousands of MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and echocardiograms for patients across Buckinghamshire and further afield. Today, the team completes more than 3,300 scans each month and turns reports around in just a few days, so that patients can get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Senior Radiographer Sharad Daniel and Radiology Manager Kerri Leaf
At the heart of the new development is the Siemens Magnetom Altea MRI scanner, equipped with Deep Resolve AI technology to enhance image quality and shorten scan times.
Sharad Daniel, Senior Radiographer, explains: “For patients, the advanced technology means accurate results, quicker appointments, and less time inside the scanner needing to stay still. If you’ve been referred for an MRI scan, we know it can feel a little daunting, so every detail has been thought of to make the process as stress-free as possible.
“The suite also includes modern consulting rooms, calming décor, ambient lighting, and a wider scanner that gives patients more space and reduces feelings of claustrophobia.”
By adding this second permanent MRI scanner –with room to bring in an additional mobile scanner when needed – the centre expects to increase capacity by up to 500 additional MRI scans every month.
Kerri Leaf, Radiology Manager, says: “This additional capacity directly supports Practice Plus Group’s wider goal of reducing waiting times, expanding access and offering consistent, reliable diagnostic services to NHS patients while also being able to help those who choose Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group.”
“For patients, the advanced technology means accurate results, quicker appointments, and less time inside the scanner needing to stay still.”
– Sharad Daniel
One of the first to benefit from the new scanner was Robert Peasley from Bourne End, Bucks, who said: “I was honoured to be the first patient to be scanned on this brand-new equipment today! It was much wider than I’ve been used to in the past, which made me feel far more comfortable and relaxed – I was almost going to sleep at one point. I can honestly say this was right at the top of the scale.”
For Service Lead Michelle Saunders, this investment reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to expanding choice and improving patient outcomes. She said: “This investment represents a huge step forward for our service. We can now deliver faster access, higher-quality images, and an improved experience for both NHS and private patients. We’re proud to play our part in reducing waiting times across the region.”
NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral, and those who want to pay for themselves or use their private health insurance for Wellsoon private healthcare can call 0330 818 8945.
Coming soon
Building works are progressing well on our new MRI project at our Birmingham Hospital Our design and construction partners have been working hard on the old structure, which has now been demolished and removed, with groundwork preparation following soon before the modules arrive in early 2026. Watch this space for more updates coming soon!
Service Lead Michelle Saunders, Robert Peasley and Sharad Daniel, Senior Radiographer
MRI in ambient light
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AZEEM KALEEM
OPTOMETRIST
Connect magazine caught up with Azeem Kaleem, an optometrist at our Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology Centre, Rochdale, to find out about his typical day at work and discuss all things eyes…
Tell us about your role at Practice Plus Group…
I’m one of the hospital optometrists at our Ophthalmology Centre at Croft Shifa, Rochdale. When I joined, the unit was entirely consultant-led, with only one optometrist. I became the second, and since then the role has grown significantly.
What kind of patients do you typically see?
Honestly, it can be anything. One minute I’m reviewing glaucoma patients to ensure pressures are stable, the next checking for retinal changes or managing dry-eye symptoms. Cataract pathways are a big part of my week: checking referral letters, ensuring tests are completed, examining patients, and addressing concerns. I also discuss lens options for private self-pay or insured patients via our Wellsoon private healthcare service. If symptoms look unrelated to cataracts, I coordinate with colleagues to redirect care.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start by saying hi to everyone as I like connecting with the team. Next, I pick up my patient list. If it’s a cataract clinic, I work through referrals and examine each patient, making sure we understand their sight issues before discussing surgery. For follow-up clinics, it’s about checking progress postsurgery or reviewing those monitored for glaucoma or maculopathy. Some
days I supervise students, which brings a different energy.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
Seeing the difference we make. In High Street optometry, you diagnose and refer – but that’s usually the end. Here, I follow the whole patient journey. Cataract surgery is life-changing; patients often tell me colours look vibrant again or they finally drive again. That transformation never gets old. Practice Plus Group has enabled me to expand my skills clinically, much more than in retail settings.
What do you most enjoy about helping patients?
It’s the active role I play. Instead of just identifying a problem, I help provide the solution – assessment, advice, treatment and follow-up. Being part of a patient’s journey from challenge to recovery, knowing your input contributed, is special.
How has your role changed over the last three years?
Quite a lot. I began working closely with doctors, nurses and admin.
Over time, I’ve become a go-to person for guidance on tests, patient management or workflow questions. I’m a liaison between consultants and the team.
My independence has grown – at first, I was nervous seeing complex patients, but now I’m confident running full clinics. I’ve also completed my prescribing qualification, allowing me to issue medication and work more autonomously.
What makes Practice Plus Group a great place to work?
The team – without a doubt. Everyone cares about patients. There’s a strong sense of community. I also love the range of specialities I work across. In many hospitals or private settings, you might only see cataract patients all day. Here, I support patients with cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina and more.
Access to such breadth of knowledge advances my career and keeps work interesting. And with such a supportive team, it’s genuinely enjoyable.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family time is big. We play board games – everything from Articulate to strategybased games like One Night Werewolf. I have a big extended family and often get together with nieces and nephews, so games are a great way to connect and have fun.
Azeem Kaleem
‘Night and Day’ difference for John and his new hip
In April, John Collinge, 78, from Sutton Coldfield, underwent a hip replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, having chosen to use our Wellsoon private healthcare service.
“I’ve had joint problems for many years and had already had both knees replaced. Last year I fell and badly jarred my hip, which accelerated the arthritis that was already there. A couple of weeks later, because of the lack of movement in my hip, I even fell out of the shower and was in a lot of pain. By Christmas, I was dragging myself around with a stick and knew something had to be done.”
John co-founded a health insurance business and wanted to use his own policy to access surgery. He heard about our new Birmingham hospital through his son and decided to look into it.
He says: “In the new year, I contacted the hospital, and from the very beginning the experience was exceptionally pleasant. Everyone I dealt with was keen to help, the advice was clear, and the whole process was seamless.
“Then within hours of the operation, the physiotherapists had me walking down the corridor. It was painful at first, of course, but within three days I’d thrown away my crutches. Now I’m walking normally again – 10,000 steps a day is no chore –and living life without discomfort,” he added.
“The hospital and its staff made a strong impression. It’s new, modern, and spotless, with the latest testing facilities. Everyone was extremely nice, and nothing was too much trouble. Compared to other private hospitals I’ve experienced, it felt calm and uncrowded, which made a real difference.”
“It was painful at first, of course, but within three days I’d thrown away my crutches.”
“My company, The Health Insurance Group, has been running for over 30 years, specialising in employee benefits for small to medium businesses. We provide private medical insurance, group life and income protection, cash plans, and wills and estate planning.
Having experienced the care at Practice Plus Group myself, I can now confidently say to our clients and contacts that the patient journey here is smooth, professional, and reassuring from start to finish.”
John is now fully mobile, able to work, drive, and enjoy life again. “For me personally, the difference in my life is night and day. Before surgery, I was immobile and in constant discomfort. Now, I wouldn’t even know I’d had my hip replaced if I didn’t remember the pain beforehand.”
Our Birmingham Hospital
John Collinge
EXPERT Q&A
Hernias are incredibly common, often beginning as a small lump or a feeling of discomfort that can be easy to ignore. Left untreated, they can lead to pain, disruption to daily life and, in rare cases, urgent complications. At Practice Plus Group, patients can access fast, expert treatment with minimally invasive keyhole surgery.
We spoke to Consultant Surgeon Tamara Gall, who works at our surgical centre in St Mary’s, Portsmouth, about hernias, how they’re treated, and why laparoscopic repair can help patients get back to normal more quickly.
Q What exactly is a hernia and how do people usually notice it?
A The most common presentation is with a lump that can cause discomfort and pain, usually in the groin or around the belly button.
Patients tend to notice a lump that comes and goes, with early symptoms often including a burning, aching or dragging sensation. Severe pain can also occur. Risk factors range from age to family history, but one of the most significant is your sex, as men are around ten times more likely to develop a hernia and up to 40-42% will experience a groin hernia in their lifetime.
Q How are hernias repaired and what’s the benefit of laparoscopic surgery?
A There are two main approaches to hernia repair: open surgery or laparoscopic, also known as keyhole. Long-term outcomes are similar, but laparoscopic repair offers a much faster recovery. Pain in the first two weeks is typically less, and patients are able to return to normal activities more quickly. The operation takes around 30-40 minutes under a light general anaesthetic, and most patients are able to go home within a couple of hours.
Q What happens if hernias are left untreated?
A Hernias do not heal on their own and symptoms can gradually worsen. The lump may cause ongoing discomfort or episodes of severe pain, especially if the contents of the hernia get stuck. In rare cases, bowel within the hernia can become trapped and lose its blood supply, which is a medical emergency. Early assessment helps prevent complications and reduces the chance of persistent symptoms.
Q How can patients receive hernia treatment?
A Patients have two main routes: the NHS or private healthcare. Hernia repair is available on the NHS, but access is not always guaranteed.
Some regions don’t fund repairs unless pain is significant, and waiting times can be extremely long as hospitals prioritise urgent and cancer-related surgery.
For those seeking faster care, Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group offers a more affordable fixed-price option, with no need for a GP referral. We also treat privately insured patients too. Patients can be seen quickly and usually undergo surgery within a few weeks, which many patients prefer due to speed of access, expertise and an opportunity to feel back to their best sooner.
Q Why choose Practice Plus Group for hernia surgery?
A Practice Plus Group hospitals have very short waiting lists compared to other NHS hospitals and most sites offer both laparoscopic and open surgery. Patients also benefit from a friendly environment focused on personalised care.
Q What should someone do if they think they have a hernia?
A The most accurate way to diagnose a hernia is through examination rather than imaging. Patients should see their GP, and if symptoms persist, seeking a second opinion from one of our consultants can be helpful.
Find out more
You can ask your GP to be referred to Practice Plus Group if you have a hernia, or to go private with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, call our private patient team on 0333 060 4641. Hernia surgery is available in 4-6 weeks and costs £3,299, with pay monthly options available.
Tamara Gall, General Surgeon
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 23rd February 2026. Ts and Cs below.
DOWN: 1 RIGA, 2 STUCK IN A RUT, 3 TEETOTALLER, 4 MOTHER-IN-LAW, 5 DÉJÀ VU, 10 ARABIC, 13 OATH.
Across
1 US naval base, bombed in 1941 (5,6)
6 Eyesore; horror (11)
8 Rugby union set-piece (5)
9 One opposed to local developments (5)
10 Lie (in poker, perhaps) (5)
11 Breathe noisily in sleep (5)
13 Builder’s stirring machine (6,5)
14 Bring back up (11)
Down
2 Berkshire educational establishment (4,7)
3 Rearrange (cards or ministers) (9)
4 Long-eared farmland mammal (4)
5 Bavarian celebration (11)
7 Marie Curie or Albert Einstein, perhaps (9)
12 Male deer (4)
Winter 2025/6 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
