An NHS patient has become the 40,000th person to receive a joint replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, marking a major milestone during the hospital’s 20th anniversary year.
“It’s an honour to help our patients regain their independence and quality of life. This 40,000th surgery is a testament to the dedication and skill of our entire team over the past two decades.”
Ferenc Toth, Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
Mark Somerset, 67, an HGV driver from Dronfield Woodhouse, underwent a hip replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, performed by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Ferenc Toth, and says the experience has already been life-changing.
“I was really surprised and honoured when they told me I was the 40,000th joint replacement patient at the hospital,” said Mark. “It’s not every day you’re part of a milestone like that! They even presented me with a lovely hamper, which was such a nice touch. The surgery has made a huge difference and I can’t thank the team enough – it was obvious to me that they were very experienced!”
Mark added that he was particularly impressed by the speed of access to care, with just a few months between his GP referral and his operation.
“I’d had hip pain on and off for about 18 months, and it was starting to affect my work as a driver and our family life,” he explained. “Once I was referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, everything happened really quickly – from the first appointment to the surgery itself. It was a relief not to be waiting around in pain.”
Before the operation, Mark found everyday activities increasingly difficult. “Getting in and out of HGV cabs for work was uncomfortable, and I couldn’t go for walks with my wife and our dog like we used to,” he said. “We love sightseeing on holiday, but it had become too painful. Now, I’m looking forward to getting back to walking properly, enjoying our next trip away and having a pain-free Christmas and New Year together!”
“I’d had hip pain on and off for about 18 months, and it was starting to affect my work and family life. Once I was referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, everything happened really quickly – from the first appointment to the surgery itself. It was a relief not to be waiting around in pain.”
Mark Somerset, 40,000th joint replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
“The care I received was excellent from everyone – they were all so professional, friendly and supportive. The food was great too, definitely not your typical hospital food! I felt really cared for as an individual and not just the 40,000th joint replacement!”
Just two weeks later, Mark was already walking for 30 minutes a day and keeping up with his physiotherapy exercises.
Reflecting on the milestone, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Ferenc Toth says: “It’s an honour to help our patients regain their independence and quality of life. Mark has done brilliantly, and his attitude throughout has been inspiring. This 40,000th surgery is a testament to the dedication and skill of our entire team over the past two decades.”
While Mark stayed overnight after his surgery, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, is also proud of its same-day joint replacement success, having reached its 1,000th same-day joint surgery for eligible patients earlier this year.
Same-day joint replacement, common in the U.S. and Canada, was first introduced to the Midlands by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr. Gyorgy Lovasz and Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Marco La Malfa, in 2018. The hospital remains one of the UK’s leaders in this area, offering faster recovery times and improved patient satisfaction for those suitable for day-case surgery.
Steve Booker, Hospital Director, said the achievement reflects years of teamwork and commitment to patient care:
“Reaching 40,000 joint replacements is a remarkable milestone, and to do so in our 20th anniversary year makes it even more special. Our success is built on the efficiency, experience and compassion of our multidisciplinary teams. We’re proud of our excellent outcomes and the positive difference we’ve made to so many patients’ lives.”
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, is celebrating its 20th anniversary after opening in 2005. It continues to help reduce NHS waiting lists in hip and knee surgery. Over the past two decades, the hospital has continued to grow with four theatres, and now over 5,000 private and NHS patients every year. The team specialises in hip and knee replacements, weight-loss surgery, hernia treatments and cataract surgery. Private patients can be self-referred to Wellsoon private healthcare available at the hospital. NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough.
