Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth proudly marked its 20th anniversary this week, celebrating two decades of delivering high-quality, patient-centred NHS and private healthcare to the local community.
“Reaching our 20-year milestone is a testament to the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our team.”
Kathy Lloyd, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth
Since opening its doors in 2005, Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth, has supported around 21,000 patients across Portsmouth and the wider region, providing accessible primary care, diagnostics, and surgical treatment in a modern, purpose-built environment. On average, the hospital supports 11,200 patients every month across its Urgent Treatment Centre, theatres, clinical and diagnostic services.
The team today includes 160 permanent staff, many of whom have served the centre for much of its history, contributing to its strong reputation for safe, effective and compassionate care.
Among the many local people who have benefited from the centre’s short waiting times is Portsmouth resident and school crossing patroller, Derek Toms, aged 78. Derek had endured almost four years of worsening hernia pain that made walking and working increasingly difficult. After finally visiting his GP, he was referred straight to Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s, located conveniently opposite the road where he works. Once an unrelated heart condition was stabilised, he underwent hernia repair surgery.
Derek described the improvement as life-changing, explaining that the shorter NHS waiting time at St Mary’s made the difference between living in pain and returning to the job he loves. He said: “Everything was great with the surgery at my local Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre… the team there were fantastic. I’m so glad to be back at work and pain-free. I love my job, and I’d definitely recommend others not to put up with hernia pain.”
Over the years its services have continued to grow, supported by ongoing investment in technology, facilities and clinical capability to ensure faster access to treatment for both NHS patients and those choosing private care through Practice Plus Group’s Wellsoon service.
Earlier this year the centre received a clean sweep of ‘Good’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), achieving ‘Good’ across all five key inspection domains: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Inspectors praised the staff for their courtesy, respect and personalised approach to patient care, noting that patients and relatives consistently commented positively about the treatment and experience they received. Reception teams were highly praised for their welcoming attitude, discretion and attention to detail, while clinical teams were recognised for involving patients fully in decisions about their care and ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.
Examples of outstanding practice were also highlighted, including the centre’s personalised patient booking services and its endoscopy provision, which continues to be regarded highly by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG). Following a successful annual review, the endoscopy service again received confirmation of its JAG accreditation for excellence in leadership, environment, training and high-quality service.
“Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre St Mary’s, Portsmouth, has grown and adapted over the years, but our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care has never changed. 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.”
Kathy Lloyd, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth
The centre now offers a comprehensive range of services for both NHS and private patients, including endoscopy, eye surgery, urology, orthopaedics covering foot and ankle as well as hand and wrist surgery, and colorectal and general surgery including hernia repair. Current waiting times remain among the shortest in the region, with patients typically seen within two weeks for cataract and general surgery, four weeks for endoscopy, and eight to nine weeks for orthopaedic and urology procedures.
Alongside its surgical services, the site provides urgent and emergency (minor injuries and minor illness) care in the purpose-built Urgent Treatment Centre and is supported by an advanced diagnostic unit offering echocardiograms, sonography and radiography.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Hospital Director Kathy Lloyd said: “Reaching our 20-year milestone is a testament to the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our team. Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre St Mary’s, Portsmouth, has grown and adapted over the years, but our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care has never changed. 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.”
